AI Summary

Scientists reconstructed the lineage tree of cells in a developing mouse embryo, recording relationships from the first division of the fertilized egg through to the formation of the body and organs. The tracking covered a 13.5‑day period, ending before the full 19‑to‑21‑day gestation is complete. Dr. Jay Shendure of the University of Washington noted that mapping early cell ancestry can illuminate how lineage influences later cell fates, with potential relevance to congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental conditions, genetic disorders, and cancer. The work demonstrates a method for detailed cell‑lineage tracing in embryonic development.

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