The Japanese government bioethics commission has taken a historic step in embryonic research by approving the creation of human embryos from stem cells.
Experts have given the green light to the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), which are obtained from human skin cells through genetic programming. From these cells, scientists will be able to create human sperm and egg cells, and then combine them to form viable embryos.
The use of iPS cells is aimed at circumventing the ethical dilemma associated with embryonic stem cells, which are extracted from embryos at early stages – usually these are byproducts of unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The panel of experts also prohibited the implantation of any embryos obtained from stem cells into the uterus of a human or animal. The new permission from the Japanese bioethics commission is expected to significantly advance research into potential solutions to issues related to infertility and hereditary diseases.
Interestingly, a new study has shown that psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in some mushrooms, can extend the lifespan of aging mice and rejuvenate human skin and lung cells. Mice that were given psilocybin not only lived longer but also had better health in old age. As in some countries the use of psilocybin for treating mental disorders is already permitted, this could have an additional positive effect on aging.
The Japanese government bioethics commission has approved the use of stem cells to create human embryos, which may resolve ethical issues and accelerate research in the field of infertility and hereditary diseases. Additionally, it has been found that psilocybin may have a positive impact on aging by extending lifespan and improving the health of aging cells.