# Ectogenesis (DD-324)

> Ectogenesis means growing an embryo or fetus outside the body. Research focuses on artificial wombs for extremely premature babies: in 2017 a Philadelphia team kept premature lambs alive for weeks in a fluid-filled 'biobag' that supplied oxygen and nutrients. No artificial womb has been used for human babies as of the Reel's posting. The footage, with rows of pods, comes from EctoLife, a 2022 concept video by Hashem Al-Ghaili; it is not a real facility.

- Department: Science (also Tech)
- First published: 2024-09-16
- Last updated: 2024-09-16
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/ectogenesis/
- Original Reel title: Ectogenesis 🧪
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **2022**: Hashem Al-Ghaili releases the EctoLife concept video

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=ectogenesis

## Quick facts

- **DD-324-F01**: Ectogenesis is growth outside the body. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Definition))_
- **DD-324-F02**: Research targets premature babies. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Premature babies))_

## Write-up

Artificial wombs are being tested to help extremely premature babies. The pod-filled facility in the footage is a concept animation.

1. **Definition**: Ectogenesis is growth outside the body.
2. **Premature babies**: Research targets premature babies.
3. **Biobag**: Lambs were kept in a biobag in 2017.
4. **Not yet human**: It has not been used for human babies.
5. **Concept**: The footage is the EctoLife concept.

## Related case files

- [Synthetic Conception (DD-320)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/synthetic-conception/): I linked more on assisted reproduction

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The footage shows EctoLife, a concept animation from 2022, not a working facility.
- **Note**: Artificial wombs had not been used for human babies as of the Reel's posting.

## Video: Ectogenesis: Artificial Wombs Are Being Tested to Help Extremely Premature Babies

- Duration: 28.7 s · Published: 2024-09-16
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C__8rTkK7s0.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know, artificial wombs, also known as ectogenesis, are a developing technology aimed at growing embryos or fetuses outside the human body? This concept could revolutionize neonatal care, particularly for premature babies. By providing a controlled environment that simulates the conditions inside the womb, artificial wombs use biobags or fluid-filled incubators to nourish and support the fetus, mimicking the amniotic sac. They aim to provide a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen, while also allowing waste removal, replicating the natural processes of pregnancy. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What does ectogenesis mean?**  
A: Ecto = outside. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Definition) · Wikipedia: Ectogenesis)_

**Q: Who might benefit first?**  
A: Neonatal care. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Premature babies) · Wikipedia: Artificial womb)_

**Q: What animals were kept in a biobag in 2017?**  
A: For weeks. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Biobag) · Wikipedia: Artificial womb)_

**Q: Is the pod facility real?**  
A: EctoLife, 2022. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Not yet human) · Wikipedia: Artificial womb)_

**Q: What does the biobag supply?**  
A: Like a placenta. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Concept) · Wikipedia: Artificial womb)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Artificial womb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_womb)
- [Wikipedia: Ectogenesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectogenesis)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Ectogenesis." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-324, last updated Sep 16, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/ectogenesis/