The Boroviak Lab
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The Boroviak Lab
@boroviak.bsky.social
Shaping the future of human stem cell biology. Engineering embryo models. News from our Cambridge labs by Thorsten Boroviak, PhD.
Curious embryo fact 25/25

The Virginia opossum has the shortest gestation period of all mammals.

After 12 days, opossum babies are born extremely underdeveloped, resembling tiny jellybeans.

They immediately crawl into their mother’s pouch for continued growth and protection!
February 5, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Curious embryo fact 24/25

Human sperm are amongst the smallest cells of the body.

They are remarkable swimmers, capable of traveling up to 15cm per hour and surviving for up to 5 days inside the female reproductive tract.

All of this increases the chances of fertilization!
February 3, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Curious embryo fact 22/25

Placentation strategies are highly variable amongst species.

Cattle, sheep and deer have evolved less invasive placentas, allowing for a quicker recovery post-birth.

This is crucial for their survival in environments where predators are a constant threat.
January 27, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Curious embryo fact 21/25

The human fertilised egg (zygote) is 0.1mm, the size of a speck of dust.

At 4 weeks, the human embryo is about 1mm, similar to a poppy seed!

By the end of 8 weeks, the embryo is 2.5cm with arms and legs - imagine a grape with tiny limbs!

#devbio #embryo #reproduction
January 22, 2025 at 3:15 PM