Bone marrow stem cells can do more than previously assumed
November 30, 2007
Bone marrow stem cells promote the continuous replenishment of blood cells.
And that's not all they can do, according to a recent study published in the "Cell" magazine.
A research team at the Harvard Medical School in the USA, headed by Ulrich von Andrian, conducted tests on mice which suggest that bone marrow stem cells have a direct impact on maintaining body health. The research team proved that the stem cells can travel from the bone marrow, through the blood system, and enter visceral organs where they perform reconnaissance missions in search of pathogenic invaders. Upon encountering bacteria or viruses, for example, they immediately divide and mature, producing new immune system cells.
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