Abstract: A method of culturing an organoid includes combining a neural precursor cell with a first volume of a cortical media or a dopaminergic media to form an organoid. A microglia is then added to the organoid, and the combined organoid and microglia are added to a cryovial with a second volume of the cortical media or the dopaminergic media, and which includes an amount of IL-34 and GM-CSF and an amount of a buffering solution. The cryovial is subsequently sealed and the organoid is cultured for a pre-determined period of time under closed conditions. Systems for culturing an organoid include an organoid formed from a neural precursor cell, a microglia, an effective amount of a cortical media or a dopaminergic media, a buffering solution, and a cryovial for housing the aforementioned components under closed conditions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a human embryo capable of developing to the blastocyst stage. The method includes transferring a human somatic cell genome into a mature human oocyte by nuclear transfer and activating the oocyte, without removing the oocyte genome. Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells, and methods of obtaining these, are also provided.