How Do We Study How Embryos Grow? – with Naomi Moris

Join Group Leader Naomi Moris as she explains how her lab is unlocking new insights into how embryos form by studying developmental models. After a sperm meets an egg, an amazing transformation unfolds. The embryo, initially just a small clump of cells, begins to take shape as cells specialise to form a body. Through careful coordination and a precise sequence of decisions, the embryo develops all the cells and tissues needed to support life. Naomi Moris’s Developmental Models Lab at the Francis Crick Institute seeks to better understand these decisions, particularly in a human context where access to samples is scarce and the medical need is great (for example, to understand congenital abnormalities). To further our understanding, her lab uses stem cells to build a range of developmental models. Here, you can listen as Naomi Moris discusses how embryo models might help us unlock new insights but also raise their own ethical dilemmas for the future. We would like to make you aware that this talk includes sensitive images regarding paediatric care at the following timestamps: • 33:44–34:17 • 35:27–35:48 *About Naomi Moris* Dr. Naomi Moris is a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, where she leads the Developmental Models Laboratory. Her work combines experimental embryology with stem cell biology to dissect how dynamic, tissue-tissue interactions drive cell fate decisions and morphogenesis. In addition to her core research, Naomi actively contributes to scientific policy and ethical discourse around embryo model systems and is involved in national and international efforts to shape the regulatory landscape for this emerging field. #DevelopmentalBiology #Embryo #EmbryoModels *In this video:* 00:00 The first few days of embryo development 02:30 How does an embryo make decisions on how to grow? 05:00 The stages of embryo development 08:31 How do we study the stages of embryo development? 12:38 How can we use stem cells to study the black box of embryo development? 36:36 What are the ethics of using these stem cells models and how should we regulate their use? *The Francis Crick Institute* Based in the heart of London, the Crick is one of Europe’s largest labs, home to more than 2,000 scientists and a free public exhibition space. We’re an independent charity and biomedical research institute bringing together people with different expertise to answer some of the biggest questions about life and health. At the Crick, we believe that everyone should have the chance to explore and shape science. That’s why we’re a place for engaging people with research and why it matters. Keep up to date with everything going on at the Crick: • https://www.instagram.com/thefranciscrickinstitute • https://www.tiktok.com/@thecrick • https://www.facebook.com/TheFrancisCrickInstitute/ • https://bsky.app/profile/crick.ac.uk • https://www.crick.ac.uk