Blood cell "granddaddy" discovered; could lead to new treatments

Stanford University scientists have discovered the "great-grandparent" of the human blood cell, according to a report out late last week.

The discovery could eventually lead to newer blood disorder and cancer treatments according to the researchers. The "multipotent progenitor" finding is being classified as an "offspring" of sorts to a blood-forming stem cell in the bone marrow. This is significant since it is apparently the source of all blood cells of all types.

It's believed a mutation in this cell is what causes leukemia, but then again, it could end up being a source of one of the most important treatments for it as well.