Scientists have grown blood stem cells in the laboratory for the first time in a move that could potentially end the need for stem cell transplants. During a stem cell (or bone marrow) transplant, damaged blood cells are replaced with healthy ones and can be used to treat conditions such as leukaemia. However, finding a donor match can be difficult and some patients die before a donor is found. In the new study, experts at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne, Australia, have managed to grow stem cells in the lab and then shown their successful use in mice. The team be…