Engineered stem cells breakthrough could save lives

Australian scientists have made a world-first breakthrough creating lab engineered blood stem cells that closely resemble those found in the human body.

Key Points

• Scientists say the discovery could one day put an end to the search for 'perfectly matched' bone marrow donors that are often needed to treat those with leukemia serious and blood disorders.
• Lead-researcher Associate Professor Elizabeth Ng says it could also reduce the side-affects suffered by those unable to find a perfectly matched donor.
• Researchers acknowledge animal studies aren't perfect and clinical trials in humans are about five years away.