A team from the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute transformed stem cells taken from discarded IVF embryos into blood cells.
The scientists believe that the blood created in this way would not only be free of the diseases which can sometimes contaminate donor blood supplies, but it would also pose no problems of rejection when given to patients.

Lead researcher Dr Dan Kaufman said: “We can envision blood therapies completely compatible with the patient, such as use of embryonic stem cells to make red blood cells for platelets used in blood transfusions, or a source of new blood supply free of any viruses.

“They might also be a source for bone marrow transplants, especially for those patients who do not otherwise have an appropriately matched donor.”

But UK experts are less enthusiastic. Professor Chris Higgins, from the Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, London, warned: “This seems only to be an incremental step forward, and whether it is going to be clinically useful or not is very speculative.

“I suspect blood donation will remain the much quicker and easier alternative.”

Via BBC News.