Scientists Create Embryo-Like Structures to Generate Human Blood Cells

(MENAFN) Researchers at the University of Cambridge have engineered embryo-like structures from stem cells capable of generating human blood cells, a breakthrough that could transform regenerative medicine, according to multiple media reports on Monday.

Scientists at the Gurdon Institute successfully recreated early embryonic stages equivalent to weeks three and four of pregnancy by using human stem cells—without relying on eggs or sperm—media reported.

“It was an exciting moment when the blood-red colour appeared in the dish—it was visible even to the naked eye,” lead author Jitesh Neupane told the newspaper.

These artificial embryo models replicate the natural developmental process, enabling scientists to closely study how blood and heart cells emerge during human embryogenesis.

Their research demonstrated that the lab-grown blood stem cells could evolve into both red blood cells, responsible for oxygen transport, and white blood cells, which play a critical role in immune defense.

“This sheds light on how blood cells naturally form during human embryogenesis,” Neupane said, highlighting the model’s promise for drug testing, immune system studies, and simulating blood diseases such as leukemia, as reported by media.

Senior author Azim Surani emphasized the long-term potential, stating that the technique might allow clinicians to produce patient-specific blood compatible with treatments like bone marrow transplants.

The scientists clarified that these models intentionally exclude tissues destined to form the placenta or brain, ensuring they do not develop into complete embryos.

“This is a minimalistic system,” Neupane added, “that follows the body’s natural development path without external proteins.”

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