3D engineered bone marrow-like material produces functioning human platelets

[AussieNeil]

I think we are all aware of how important platelets are, particularly if we've undergone treatment. They don't last long in the body, necessitating weekly transfusions if your bone marrow isn't making enough, as we've yet to find a way to boost their production. So any platelet research news towards a better understanding of how they develop is encouraging. Hence well done to the "Researchers at Tufts University School of Engineering and the University of Pavia, Italy (who) have developed a three-dimensional tissue made from porous silk, that’s capable of producing platelets for clinical use:

gizmag.com/engineered-tissu...

"Given the wide range of diseases that affect platelet production, it’s thought that the development will have a significant impact on treatment, providing researchers with a platform for the study of platelet formation."

Neil

Photo: Grass heads catching the afternoon sunlight

[Justasheet1]

I thought you were gonna tell me it can make the real thing. Dang. 😃

Jeff