Source: Harvard Medical School
Date: November 29, 2007
Summary:
New research from Harvard Medical School, published in the November 30 edition of Cell, suggests that the biological role of blood, or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is far more versatile and dynamic. Researchers have found that HSCs can travel from the bone marrow, through the blood system, and enter visceral organs in search of disease-causing invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Upon encountering an invader they immediately synthesize a defense, divide and mature, producing new immune system cells.
