For the first time in history. Scientists have recorded a video of embryo formation at an early stage, which will help to detect birth defects

For the first time, Australian scientists have managed to capture on video the formation of a quail embryo at an early stage. The researchers hope that, due to its similarity to the human species, they will be able to find out the causes of birth defects.

Using an innovative technique, the scientists examined in detail the process of formation of the primary form of the heart, spine, and brain, the Daily Mail reports. New research may have an impact on improving medicine.

According to scientists, about 3% of human babies are born with congenital heart and neural tube defects. Surgeries or transplants performed a few days after birth are the only methods to correct the problems.

To improve the possibilities of medical services, scientists at the University of Queensland have developed a modified quail embryo that produces a reflective fluorescent protein. The substance, called Lifeact, was implanted into the embryo by injection. The scientists explained that the development of birds takes place in the egg, so it is available for observation.

"Bird embryos are an excellent model of human development, especially in the early phases of growth," said Dr. Melanie White, "The development of many major organs, including the heart and neural tube, is very similar.

The glow of fluorescent proteins helped to track the formation of the early cytoskeleton and heart stem cells, which will later form the primary organ of the circulatory system, deep inside the embryo.

In addition, it was possible to record how the cells form the neural tube of the embryo, which will eventually turn into the brain and spinal cord. According to Melanie White, it is during this developmental process that birth defects occur. In human embryos, brain and spinal defects appear during the fourth week of growth.

"Our goal is to find proteins or genes that can be used in the future to control birth defects," the scientist explained.

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