Embryonic Development: Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

This lecture by the instructor explores the current understanding of animal embryo development, focusing on the methods used to study tissue and organ emergence. Stem cells, both adult and embryonic, are highlighted as valuable tools for engineering approaches. The lecture delves into the deconstruction of the embryo, questions for the future, and potential applications of human stem cells. It also covers the axial organization in mammals, gastrulation processes, and the generation of blastocyst-like structures from stem cells. The presentation emphasizes the importance of genetic analysis and engineering in understanding organ and tissue development.