The lab-grown fetal brain model is the result of four years of research by Rene Anand, professor of biological chemistry and pharmacology at OSU, and Susan McKay, a research associate in biological chemistry and pharmacology, aimed at finding a better alternative to conventional rodent studies. 

Its purpose is not only to provide scientists with a better research model, but also to avoid ethical concerns regarding fetal tissue research, which have been highlighted in recent weeks by allegations of illegal organ harvesting at US abortion clinics. 

The organoid was developed by starting with adult skin cells and coaxing them to revert to pluripotent cells, which are a form of stem cell that can form any other type of cell in the body. These are used to build up specific tissues and then entire organs by recreating features of an in utero environment.