Kyoto University and University of Tokyo researchers have found a way to use artificially created stem cells to produce a large volume of cells from which blood platelets can be derived outside the human body.

The method, which makes use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, may be a boon for people who need repeated blood transfusions, such as blood cancer or aplastic anemia patients, who often suffer from declining bone marrow functions.

Platelets aid clotting and are collected from donated blood, but supplies tend to run short.