*_Lungs do more than breathe — they also make blood._* _Scientists have uncovered a surprising new function of the lungs: they play a major role in blood production._ _A study on mice found that lungs generate over 10 million platelets every hour, meaning they contribute significantly to the body's blood supply — challenging the long-held belief that bone marrow is solely responsible._ _Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, also discovered a hidden reservoir of blood stem cells within the lungs, further reshaping our understanding of this vital organ._ _Using advanced two-photon imaging, scientists tracked fluorescently marked platelets moving through the lungs, revealing their unexpected role in blood formation. This discovery not only deepens our knowledge of human biology but also holds promising implications for treating blood disorders. As researcher Mark R. Looney explains, "This finding reshapes our understanding of the lungs, showing they're not just for respiration, but also vital for blood production." Future research may explore how this insight could lead to new treatments for conditions like thrombocytopenia and other platelet-related diseases._ learn more: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2017/03/406111/surprising-new-role-lungs-making-blood