The MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, together with scientists at Glasgow University and the Irish and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service have developed an exhibit ‘Stem cells for blood transfusion?’ which explores the possibility of generating blood from stem cells to provide a limitless and infection-free blood supply.

The exhibit was first developed for the 2010 Royal Society’s annual summer science festival in London, and has since toured at other events including the Big Bang Fair 2011 and the Edinburgh International Science Festival 2011.

At the exhibit visitors can look at their own blood cells flowing through blood vessels, discover how red blood cells are made from stem cells and discuss the prospects for stem cell derived medicines. The youngsters - and the young at heart - have the opportunity to cure ‘Stemcell Stella’ in the ‘Lab of the Future’ by ensuring that they move a marble stem cell along the correct path so that it turns into the right kind of cell needed to treat her.

Big Bang Fair 2011: Dr Lesley Forrester explains why we need blood

The exhibit highlights a £2.9M Wellcome Trust funded research project, which looks at turning stem cells into red blood cells that can be used for transfusions. In addition, the Scottish Funding Council has recently awarded £2,5M to continue this pioneering work.

Festival visitor Sally, 48, said: “I found the interactive element fascinating. I was amazed by the video microscope to see my own blood cells moving around.”

Edinburgh Science Festival 2011: looking at your own blood

Big Bang Fair 2011: testing your own knowledge on stem cells

It is planned to re-run the exhibit at other events, including the Glasgow and Inverness Science Festivals 2011 as well as the Big Bang Fair 2011 Scotland edition. In addition, the exhibit is available for loan free of charge.

For more information, please read the press release and visit the exhibit’s website www.stemcellsforblood.org.

Exhibited by the University of Edinburgh (MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine), University of Glasgow, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and Irish Blood Transfusion Service, with contributions from the Wellcome Trust, the Scottish Government, NHS Blood and Transplant, Roslin Cells, Roslin Cellab, SSCN, GSK and Pfizer.