Scientists at McMaster University have found a regular and long-term blood donor: skin cells. In a major scientific discovery, these scientists have managed to convert human adult skin cells into human adult blood cells. The conversion was direct as they were able to do so without converting skin cells to stem cells in an intermediate step. Experiments were repeated over a span of two years and performed successfully on both young and old individuals. This major breakthrough shows a promising future for patients needing blood for surgeries, cancer treatment and treatment of other blood conditions. It also opens the door for the possibility of converting skin cells into other types of human cells.
