Some of our top scientists are getting a pat on the back after making a world-first stem cell research breakthrough that could put an end to the hunt for bone marrow donors and eliminate the need for extensive chemotherapy. Experts at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute have created lab-grown blood stem cells (which can become any type of cell in the body) and successfully transplanted them into mice. Lead researcher Professor Elizabeth Ng says it means doctors can “make blood cells that are perfectly matched to a patient” so they’ll suffer fewer unpleasant side effects. It’s hoped the work could help people with leukaemia, serious blood disorders and children with tumours. Human trials are still about 5 years away, but experts say it has huge potential to improve the lives/prospects of patients. How good is that…