Scientists at the University of Cambridge have created embryo-like structures from human stem cells that produced blood cells — a development that could transform regenerative medicine.
The team, led by Dr Jitesh Neupane at the Gurdon Institute, observed the models turning visibly red as blood formed in the dish. “It was an exciting moment when the blood-red colour appeared – it was visible even to the naked eye,” said Neupane.
The lab-grown structures mimic the natural process of early human development, showing how heart and blood cells first emerge. The findings could pave the way for producing patient-specific blood for transplants and studying diseases such as leukaemia.
Unlike previous approaches, which rely on added growth factors, the new system allows stem cells to self-organise and form tissues naturally, similar to what happens during the third and fourth week of pregnancy.
By day 8, the team observed beating heart cells, and by day 13, red patches of blood had appeared. The blood stem cells taken from the model were able to develop into both red and white blood cells.
Although the model cannot develop into a fetus – it lacks placental and brain-forming tissues – the research offers a powerful new tool for studying human development and advancing personalised regenerative therapies.
