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Maybe genetically modifying some organism to have multiple sack-like wombs would be more promising and energy/nutrient-efficient approach. Something like a tree
by xvilka 2y ago
Maybe genetically modifying some organism to have multiple sack-like wombs would be more promising and energy/nutrient-efficient approach. Something like a tree with many such wombs, that are able to grow mammals (why limit ourselves only to particular species? Likely it's possible to make a "generic" solution). Though it's harder from the technological point of view since our biotechnology and genetics is not there yet.
What worries me though, we still don't know so much about the intricacies of the baby development and birth process itself. For example, there is ongoing scientific discussion of (possible) negative consequences of C-section vs natural childbirth. And seeding human microbiome during that process. And many other aspects. To fully achieve artificial wombs all those unknown spots in medicine should be researched well and in depth.
- Terr_ 2y ago> why limit ourselves only to particular species? Likely it's possible to make a "generic" solution I dunno, at least for primates and mice, pregnancy is a carefully balanced fight between rejection by the mother and cancerous parasitism by the embryo [0], complete with mind control drugs. [0] https://aeon.co/essays/why-pregnancy-is-a-biological-war-between-mother-and-baby https://aeon.co/essays/why-pregnancy-is-a-biological-war-bet...
- russdill 2y agoI realize many take your comment as naive, but it may be that such a process won't be possible with non-biological solutions (ECMO, dialysis, etc) but will need to wait for fully bio-engineered solutions.