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How our lungs back up the bone marrow to make our blood

Researchers at UCSF have discovered that human lung tissue contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) capable of producing red blood cells, platelets, and immune cells. The finding suggests the lungs could be a potent source for life-saving stem cell transplants, particularly for patients with leukemia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBlood·DateFeb 27, 2025

Blood test can predict how long vaccine immunity will last, Stanford Medicine-led study shows

A Stanford Medicine-led study has discovered a molecular signature in the blood that can predict how long an individual's vaccine immunity will last. The signature, found in platelet RNA molecules, is associated with megakaryocyte activation in the bone marrow and can forecast longer-lasting antibody responses to various vaccines.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2025

Effects of megakaryocyte conditioned media on endothelial cell angiogenesis

Researchers found that megakaryocyte conditioned media from younger mice was more effective at promoting blood vessel growth and improving healing. The study provides a potential approach for developing new therapies to speed up fracture recovery in older individuals, reducing pain and improving mobility.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateDec 4, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Immune cells monitor blood platelet maturation in bone marrow

Researchers at LMU University Hospital have discovered that plasmacytoid dendritic cells control the formation of new megakaryocytes from progenitor cells in bone marrow, regulating platelet production and potentially treating Covid-19. The study found pDCs precisely adjust MK quantities to meet bodily needs.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Decoding the secrets surrounding platelet production

A new research group led by Zoltan Nagy is working to understand megakaryocyte development and maturation. The team will use single-cell RNA sequencing to identify key factors controlling platelet production, with the goal of improving platelet counts for transfusions.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJun 19, 2023

Discovery could power up platelet production to battle blood shortages

Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery that could boost platelet production on demand to alleviate blood shortages. The finding offers hope for patients with thrombocytopenia and those receiving cord-blood transplants.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 23, 2022

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

A study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes may be responsible for the lingering aftereffects of severe COVID-19 cases, including brain fog. The researchers found evidence of megakaryocytes in the brains of patients who died from COVID-19 and believe they may reduce blood flow to the ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 24, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers attempt new treatment approach for blood cancer

Researchers inhibited a specific protein to decrease megakaryocyte numbers in an experimental model, showing promise for treating myeloproliferative neoplasms. The study's findings suggest a potential complementary or alternative therapy for this debilitating disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBlood·DateJun 19, 2020

Clotting problem

A team of researchers led by University of Delaware Professor Velia M. Fowler has made a groundbreaking discovery about MYH9-related disorders, a condition affecting 1 in 25,000 people. The study found that mutations in the MYH9 gene disrupt platelet formation and movement, leading to unstable clots and various health issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBlood·DateMar 9, 2020

Megakaryocytes act as 'bouncers' restraining cell migration in the bone marrow

Researchers discovered that megakaryocytes influence the migration of hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophils in the bone marrow. The study found that large megakaryocytes act as passive obstacles, reducing neutrophil mobility. This new understanding highlights the importance of biomechanical properties in regulating cell motility.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalHaematologica·DateJul 17, 2019

Challenging our understanding of how platelets are made

Researchers used intravital correlative light-electron microscopy to visualize platelet production in vivo. They found that megakaryocytes form large protrusions rather than extruding fine proplatelet extensions, revising the understanding of fundamental biology of platelet formation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateJun 22, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

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Blood discovery could benefit preemies, help end platelet shortages

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have identified a 'master switch' that controls platelet production in the bone marrow, offering new hope for treating platelet shortages and neonatal thrombocytopenia. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments using existing compounds with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 19, 2017

Surprising new role for lungs: Making blood

Researchers found that mouse lungs produce over half of the body's platelets and contain a pool of stem cells capable of restoring blood production. This discovery suggests the lungs may also play a key role in human blood formation, with implications for treating diseases like thrombocytopenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2017

CNIO scientists discover a new blood platelet formation mechanism

Researchers at CNIO have discovered a new way to produce platelets artificially, reprogramming megakaryocytes to increase in size. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for thrombocytopenia and cancer by targeting specific proteins involved in cell growth.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 26, 2015

New insight that 'mega' cells control the growth of blood-producing cells

Scientists at the Stowers Institute discovered that megakaryocytes, a type of 'mega' cell in bone marrow, regulate stem cells to produce platelets and other blood cells. This finding could lead to new treatments for patients recovering from chemotherapy or organ transplantation.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 19, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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Solution to platelet 'puzzle' uncovers blood disorder link

Melbourne researchers solved a puzzle on how an essential hormone stimulates platelet production. They found that bone marrow cells can become overstimulated and produce too many platelets, leading to blood diseases such as essential thrombocythemia.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

Modeling of congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia using iPS cell technology

Researchers used iPS cells from a CAMT patient to study the disease, finding that thrombopoietin receptor signaling is crucial for megakaryocyte and erythrocyte production. Compensatory transduction of receptors normalized these processes, highlighting the potential for thrombopoietin-like drugs to treat anemia.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2013
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

How red blood cells get so big -- and the bad things that happen when they don't

Yale researchers found that megakaryocytes grow 10-15 times larger than other blood cells through endomitosis, but a malfunction in this process may lead to leukemia. The discovery reveals the formation of functional platelets and provides clues about what may go awry to transform normal megakaryocytes into malignant leukemia cells.

SourceYale University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 1, 2012

Discovery helps explain why chemo causes drop in platelet numbers

Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified that pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins are essential for keeping megakaryocytes alive to produce platelets. Chemotherapy kills megakaryocytes by activating 'pro-death' Bcl-2 proteins, leading to a drop in platelet numbers.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 25, 2011

Penn researchers show single drug and soft environment can increase platelet production

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that a single drug can induce bone marrow cells to quadruple platelet production. The study found that inhibiting myosin-II with the drug belebbistatin increases megakaryocyte growth, allowing them to produce more platelets in a soft environment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2011
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.