Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israël have managed to grow a synthetic fetus from stem cells, without using human reproductive cells or a womb. The ‘model-embryo’ exhibits the same properties as a 14-day old human embryo, even emitting hormones detected in commercial pregnancy tests. By using chemicals, the stem cells can be ‘programmed’ to change into the four cells found in a human embryo, after which growth started. The researchers hope to use this as a way to gain insight in the early developmental stages of human life.