Methylation patterns at so-called metastable epialleles in the genome stamp a memory into each of our cells.

Researchers used the genome-editing technology to analyze the development of mouse tissues.

One lab finds that a similar method produces large genetic deletions when performed in mouse embryos.

Actin rings seal off the ball of cells, aiding in implantation in the uterus. But faults in the process could explain why some pregnancies fail.

How actin seals embryos early in development

The embryo, grown in a dish from several types of stem cells, went through gastrulation, a significant stage in development.

The UK-based organization encourages public debate about the issue but does not recommend immediate policy change.

The finding confirms that a cluster of cells that directs the fate of other cells in the developing embryo is evolutionarily conserved across the animal kingdom.

Researchers recently used CRISPR single-guide RNAs to alter genes involved in pigmentation in frog embryos.