Scientists Build Tiny Human Bone Marrow “Blood Factory” That Works for Weeks
Scientists in Switzerland have built a tiny human “blood factory” that works much like real bone marrow. The structure contains many of the same cells, signals and features found inside our bones. As a result, it can produce human blood cells for several weeks. This discovery may change how researchers study blood cancers and test new treatments.
Why Bone Marrow Matters
Bone marrow does its job quietly. It becomes important when something goes wrong, for example in leukemia or other blood disorders. Understanding how healthy bone marrow works, and why it fails, helps experts develop better therapies. However, most past research relied on animal models, which do not always reflect the human body.
A Fully Human Model
Scientists at the University of Basel created a 3D bone marrow system made entirely from human cells. They published their findings in Cell Stem Cell. The model includes a key region called the endosteal niche. This niche sits near the bone surface and plays a major role in forming new blood cells. It also influences how blood cancers respond to treatment. Until now, no lab system had recreated this entire environment.
How the Tiny “Blood Factory” Was Built
The team used a bone-like scaffold made from hydroxyapatite. They added human stem cells and guided them through several stages of development. The result was a small but realistic 3D bone marrow structure. It measures just eight millimeters across, yet supports blood formation for weeks.
The model may reduce the need for animal testing. It could also help test new drugs more safely. In the future, doctors may even create patient-specific models to choose the best treatment for each person. Researchers say more work is needed, but the progress is promising.
