Stanford proposed a bold new vision for biology: Virtual Embryos

By integrating single-cell and spatial genomics with AI, researchers can build digital twins of embryogenesis—moving beyond virtual cells to predict cell growth, division, migration, state transitions, and morphogenesis, from genes → cells → organs -> organ systems and whole embryo, in a fully 4D spatiotemporal framework.

This approach could enable truly predictive biology and in silico experimentation to diagnose, prevent, and treat developmental diseases transforming medicine and improving outcomes for future generations.