Study in Nature finds blood stem cells retain lasting memory of past inflammation

Summary

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown subset of human blood stem cells that retain a lasting "memory" of past inflammation, according to a study published in Nature. These cells accumulate over time and may influence immune system function later in life, potentially helping to explain links between ageing, chronic disease, and blood cancers. The findings challenge the traditional view that blood stem cells are neutral and unaffected by past events.