On Tuesday, a team of researchers from Advanced Cell Technology in Massachusetts released the results of a new stem cell oriented study.

As it turns out, with the help of embryonic stem cells, red blood cells can be grown, thus suggesting that it will eventually be possible to create something similar to a farm; such a breakthrough would solve the very serious problem of blood shortage many hospitals are experiencing these days.

The company is hoping that the newly found information will attract investors, as its financial status is currently not a very positive one. Dr. Robert Lanza, scientific director of the company, considers the study to be "a big break" for his team.
Stem cells are responsible for replenishing several types of cells and tissues. Researchers hope that one day, stem cells will be widely used for transplants. There is a problem here however: the immune system may not respond well to tissues which are grown using stem cells harvested from someone else. Dr. Robert Lanza’s team said using red blood cells may go around this situation.

They want to start growing human embryo cells from all the existing blood types. O negative would probably the most desirable, as it is compatible with all the other types. Dr. Robert Lanza said the ability to produce as much as would be needed at any given time was, obviously enough, extremely attractive.

The company must look for its own investors, as the U.S. federal government goes by very strict rules when it comes to embryonic stem cell research. As human embryos are used, this field has generated a lot of controversy.