How to build a mouse: Embryo development captured in stunning detail

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by using gene-editing technology to track the development of mouse embryos in incredible detail. Two research teams published their findings, revealing how they recorded the growth of embryos from a single fertilized egg. This research builds on a historic study from the 1980s that mapped the development of a tiny worm, but this time, the focus is on mice, which are much more complex. The teams used a technique called prime editing to make precise genetic changes, allowing them to trace how cells divide and form organs. This study helps scientists understand how seemingly random cell divisions can lead to the development of organisms that look similar, like twins. This research could have significant implications for understanding human development and diseases. QUESTION: How might understanding the detailed development of embryos impact future medical treatments or technologies?