Stem
Cells turned into Blood Cells
Scientists for the
first time have been able to form blood cells from human embryonic stem
cells. This advancement eventually may offer safe and inexhaustible
source of blood for transfusion and also new treatment for many blood
diseases.
This was done by researchers
at University of Wisconsin in Madison. They could manage to direct the
immature cells to form every type of regular blood cells - red blood
cells, white blood cells and platelets. Because embryonic cells can be
expanded without apparent limit the cell derived blood products could be
created in virtually unlimited amounts.
There is growing excitement
in the field of stem cells research. The stem cells have the potential
of transforming into any kind of tissue in the body. This may eventually
lead to new ways of treatment for host of diseases. In the case of blood
cells they could be used to treat illnesses such as leukemia and anemia.
The benefit of this
research is not going to be available in a very near future, but certainly
a big step has be taken towards something which we could not think
about in recent past. Theoretically the new technology may eventually
eliminate the shortage of blood transfusion.
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