Overview

• The University of Cambridge team reports the results in Cell Reports, describing a stem cell–derived model that replicates key events of very early human development.
• Hematoids self-organize into three germ layers by day two, form beating heart cells by day eight, and display visible red patches of blood by day 13, paralleling weeks three to five of embryogenesis.
• Researchers isolated hematopoietic stem cells from the model and showed they can differentiate into multiple blood types, including red blood cells and specialized immune cells such as T cells.
• The system was deliberately designed without yolk sac and placental tissues, which limits developmental capacity and prevents any potential to form a fetus.
• Authors highlight potential uses in producing patient-compatible blood for transplants, drug screening, and modeling blood disorders like leukemia, while emphasizing the work remains early-stage and preclinical.