Sept. 16, 2026
Science Writer
Megan covers the intersection of science and society. How is biomedical research funded? Who benefits? And how do new technologies reflect and shape our values? You can reach Megan on Signal at mmolteni.13.
For the last decade, scientists have been steadilygetting better at growing “cerebral organoids,”miniature, three-dimensional brain-like structures, from human stem cells in the lab. Now, a group from Stanford University has found a way to advance their usefulness for studying brain development and disease — by instead growing them inside mice that have had large parts of their own brains genetically removed.
Neuroscientists say these “neuro-chimeric” mice, whose brains are half-human — by volume, not by number of neurons — are an important innovation for a field hampered by longstanding challenges in accessing human brain tissue for research. But such models also raise a host of ethical questions that will get thornier the more advanced they become.
Advertisement
In astudy published Wednesday in Nature, the Stanford team reported finding types of human cells inside the brains of 3-month-old chimeric mouse pups that are very hard to obtain in a dish. They included pyramidal projection neurons that had wound their way into some of the animals’ spinal cords. The scientists also found evidence of specialized, super-sized neurons involved in social cognition only found in large-brain mammals like elephants, whales, and primates, including humans.
STAT+ Exclusive Story
Already have an account?Log in
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account?Log in
Monthly
$39
Totals $468 per year
$39/monthGet StartedTotals $468 per year
Starter
$30
for 3 months, then $399/year
$30 for 3 monthsGet StartedThen $399/year
Annual
$399
Save 15%
$399/yearGet StartedSave 15%
11+ Users
Custom
Savings start at 25%!
Request A QuoteRequest A QuoteSavings start at 25%!
2-10 Users
$300
Annually per user
$300/yearGet Started$300 Annually per user
View All PlansTo read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.
SubscribeLog InMental Health,
neuroscience,
research,
STAT+Submit a correction requestReprintsScience Writer
Megan covers the intersection of science and society. How is biomedical research funded? Who benefits? And how do new technologies reflect and shape our values? You can reach Megan on Signal at mmolteni.13.
Newsletter
Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day
