Human trials of artificial wombs could start soon. Here’s what you need to know

Ahairless, pale-skinned lamb lies on its side in what appears to be an oversized sandwich bag filled with hazy fluid.Its eyes are closed, and its snout and limbs jerk as if the animal -which is only about three-quarters of the way through its gestation period -is dreaming.The lamb was one of eight in a 2017 artificial-womb experiment carried out by researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Pennsylvania.When the team published its research 1 in April of that year, it released a video of the experiments that spread widely and captured imaginationsfor some, evoking science-fiction fantasies of humans being conceived and grown entirely in a laboratory.Now, the researchers at CHOP are seeking approval for the first human clinical trials of the device they've been testing, named the Extra-uterine Environment for Newborn Development, or EXTEND.The team has emphasized that the technology is not intended -or able -to support development from conception to birth.Instead, the scientists hope that simulating some elements of a natural womb will increase survival and improve outcomes for CONRAD BORNMAN/GALLO IMAGES/GETTY Care for babies who are born extremely preterm has improved survival significantly, but long-term health problems remain a concern. HUMAN TRIALS OF ARTIFICIAL WOMBS COULD START SOON. HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWUS regulators are considering clinical trials of a system that mimics the womb and could reduce death and disability for extremely premature babies.