Decoding functional hematopoietic progenitor cells in the adult human lung.

Summary: Did you know your bones aren't the only place that makes blood? Scientists have discovered that adult human lungs also hold special cells that make blood! These "stem cells" live deep inside the lung tissue, outside the blood vessels. They are just as common there as they are in bone marrow. The lung's blood-making cells are uniquely primed to make immune cells and platelets (which help blood clot). These amazing lung cells can even be collected to help with stem cell transplants. This means our lungs do much more than just help us breathe—they act as a secret backup factory for our blood!