Researchers in the United States and United Kingdom are doing research on synthetic human embryos. This technology creates biological structures very similar to human embryos. It is revolutionary because it allows for the creation of something that would previously only be possible using a human sperm and egg.

Bioethicists are very concerned as future developments could include an embryo with a brain and a beating heart. There are presently virtually no laws or regulations governing this kind of research.

Scientists hope to use the synthetic embryos to better understand genetic diseases, birth defects and problems occurring during pregnancy. The obvious concern is that over time, researchers may push closer to creating humans in the laboratory.