Scientists have successfully grown human embryo-like structures in the lab that produced blood cells — a major step forward for regenerative medicine.
The research, led by Dr Jitesh Neupane at the University of Cambridge’s Gurdon Institute, could pave the way for creating patient-specific blood for use in bone marrow transplants. “It was an exciting moment when the blood-red colour appeared in the dish – it was visible even to the naked eye,” Neupane said.
The lab-grown models, developed from human stem cells without the need for eggs or sperm, mimic early stages of human development, specifically around the third and fourth week of pregnancy. The models were designed to exclude placental and brain-forming tissues, meaning they could not develop into a fetus.
By day eight, the structures formed beating heart cells, and by day 13, scientists observed red patches of blood. The blood stem cells produced could differentiate into red and white blood cells, showing potential for future medical use.
“This approach mirrors how blood forms naturally in the embryo,” said Prof Azim Surani, senior author of the study. “Although still early, it marks a significant step towards therapies that could use a patient’s own cells to repair or regenerate damaged tissues.”
