5-Week-Old Fetus Brain, in a Dish? | Hacker News Reader

5-Week-Old Fetus Brain, in a Dish?

sciencedaily.com

2 pointscodecamper9 comments

MISLEADING TITLE

It was grown from ADULT brain cells and is now about the saize of the brain typically found in a five week fetus (pencil eraser sized).

It was grown from skin cells actually. Its the size and structure of a fetus brain, because it is essentially a fetus brain.

A lab-grown brain organ grown in a petri dish is not a fetus brain. It's the size of one, but it is not.

Labeling that tissue as a fetus brain can encourage many people (I hesitate to say which groups, though you can guess) to start their warbling even if they're wrong.

Making a point of saying "lab-grown brain organ," or organoid (though it sounds kinda like 50-ish pulp sci-fi), helps keep them docile.

Not splitting hairs or arguing for fun. When posting science articles, accurate descriptions are important.

They actually detailed how its growth was that of a fetus brain, including visual stem etc. In what way would we expect it to be different? Would it be more PC or politic to pretend its something else?

It sounds like they can't win - they make up a name like "organoid" and they're hiding something. They call a spade a spade and they're 'encouraging warbling'? Remember, its supposed to be science. So made-up words to pacify the public would actually be wrong.

Oh, I wouldn't want to try and coin a name for it if I were in that position as a researcher. No matter what you choose, someone will be mad.

It did grow in a similar manner to a fetus brain, but it is also missing parts, those being the 1% of genes that aren't present.

"Fetus-like brain" works and is less ambiguous.

Warbling.... Man. I really need a break from the pre-1900 novels for awhile. At least until I stop my unthinking use of archaic terms and phrases.

No! Keep warbling! Lets bring that word back. It was a kinder and gentler time.

I have become rather partial to it, myself. To me it applies the mental image of a small and rather stupid bird to the target.

Sounds horrifying - human brain grown outside of a body. But its only actually a few cells, with absolutely no capacity for higher function. Not materially different from a worm or insect brain.

But what next? A viable brain with vascular system? Down this road come serious questions about mortality and the nature of humanity.

"brain of a 5 week old fetus"... isn't this completely nuts? Who knows what it is capable of. I suppose not much. I'm trying to think back, but I somehow cannot remember that 5th week in the fetus. Still.. you are right... what is next?

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