'Hematoids' could 1 day replace blood donations
Technology
Cambridge researchers have created "hematoids," embryo-like clusters of cells that can actually produce human blood stem cells.
These little structures could someday supplement blood donations for people with diseases like leukemia.
Published this year in Cell Reports, the discovery could open new doors in regenerative medicine and drug testing.
Hematoids are clusters of stem cells
Hematoids are clusters of stem cells that quickly start making both red and white blood cells, mimicking early human development.
In just eight days, they even start circulating fluid with heart-like action.
This breakthrough could lead to better ways to study blood diseases and, in the future, may help supplement blood donations.