Setting the stage for embryo segmentation

Morphogen gradients are critical regulators of embryonic development. In this issue, Liu et al.1 introduce a microfluidic system that externally applies morphogen gradients to an in vitro model of human embryo segmentation. It enables the investigation of signaling gradients during this developmental process at unprecedented levels of precision. Morphogen gradients are critical regulators of embryonic development. In this issue, Liu et al. introduce a microfluidic system that externally applies morphogen gradients to an in vitro model of human embryo segmentation. It enables the investigation of signaling gradients during this developmental process at unprecedented levels of precision.