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About the research The exhibit is based on a £2,9M Wellcome Trust and £2,5M Scottish Funding Council funded collaborative research project ‘Proof of principle: human embryonic stem cell derived red cell concentrates for clinical transfusion’. In this project scientists are working together to generate a limitless and infection-free supply of red blood cells in the laboratory from human embryonic stem cells for use in clinical blood transfusion. Blood Transfusion has become a mainstay of modern medical practice. However, problems persist both nationally and internationally in maintaining an adequate supply, managing the risk of transmission of infectious agents and ensuring immune compatibility between donor and recipient. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have unique properties in that they can be maintained indefinitely in culture in an undifferentiated state and yet retain the ability to form all the cells and tissues within the body, including blood cells. They therefore offer a potentially limitless source from which to generate red blood cells for clinical transfusion. Scottish Funding Council Press Release See also 4min video of the research project
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