In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have cultivated mammalian embryos in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). Molecular biologist Teruhiko Wakayama led this pioneering experiment, which marks the first instance of such development in space. While the survival rate of embryos in space was lower than on Earth, those that did survive exhibited normal development. Notably, gravity did not significantly impact blastocyst formation and initial differentiation. However, critical factors like radiation and the complete gestation process in space remain unexplored. Further research is crucial to assess the feasibility of mammalian reproduction in space as humanity ventures beyond Earth’s borders.
Source: https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(23)02254-X