Xinhua News Agency reported that China is the first country in the world to conduct an experiment in space using an artificial embryo, a biological structure derived from human stem cells that is similar in composition to a real embryo.
The agency notes that the samples were sent into space as part of the Tianzhou-10 mission. They are currently in the experimental module of the Chinese space station. The experiment is proceeding successfully.
Scientists plan to study the effects of weightlessness in space on early human embryonic development. They are conducting a preliminary study on the long-term survival and reproduction of humans in space.
After the five-day experiment in orbit concludes, the artificial embryos will be frozen. Scientists will then conduct a comparative analysis of the space samples with identical biological structures, which are monitored in laboratories on Earth.
"We hope that by comparing the development of samples that were in space and those on Earth, we can study the factors affecting the early development of human embryos in the space environment, and address the challenges and problems facing human long-term survival in space," says Yu Liqian, head of the artificial embryo research project.
According to him, the experimental specimens cannot develop into individuals because they are models used in early human development research.
It is worth noting that China launched the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft on May 11, which docked with the Tiangong space station the same day.
