Scientists Create Blood From Human Skin

It could have huge implications for transplants, transfusions
By Dan MacKenzie,  Newser User
Posted Nov 9, 2010 12:39 PM CST Posted Nov 9, 2010 12:39 PM CST
Promoted on Newser Nov 9, 2010 1:54 PM CST
Medical Breakthrough: Own Blood Made From Skin
A file photo of blood samples.   (AP)

Researchers from McMaster University in Canada have created blood from tiny pieces of skin in a development hailed as a major breakthrough. Why the big deal? Because the blood created is genetically identical to that of the skin's donor, meaning there's no chance of rejection. Not only that, experiments have shown it could work for any person, at any age, reports the Montreal Gazette.

Human testing is expected to begin within two years, and the hopes for this medical advancement are great. Patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other diseases requiring bone marrow transplants would likely be the first to take advantage, as this discovery aims to make such transplants and the associated hardship of finding matching donors a thing of the past. (More medical breakthrough stories.)

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