An artificial 'embryo' for detection of abnormal developmental biology.

The currently applied means for detecting hazards to the conceptus require toxicologic evaluations in common laboratory animals. Because these studies are so time consuming and expensive, we continue to increasingly fall behind in developmental toxicity testing of new substances. A simple and efficient means for prescreening substances for developmental toxicity is described. Adult Hydra attenuata and artificial "embryos" of hydra cells can be manipulated to quickly single out those few substances worthy of extensive and intense evaluation of their effects on the developing conceptus.