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IMAGE: Platelets are created and released into the bloodstream by megakaryocytes, giant cells that live in the bone marrow. This image shows megakaryocytes (in red) forming platelets within a bone marrow. view more
Credit: Christian Di Buduo, Alessandra Balduini (CC BY 4.0)
A new miniature 3D model of human bone marrow has been described today in the open-access
eLife journal.
The model may help clinicians predict which patients will benefit from a new therapy for blood platelet disorders, such as Inherited Thrombocytopenias - a group of familial disorders that inhibit the production of platelets. It could also enable further study of these disorders and give scientists a new tool to test experimental treatments.