Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are special cells found in the bone marrow that have the unique ability to develop into all types of blood cells. These include red blood cells, which carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infections, and platelets that help with blood clotting. HSCs are essential for maintaining a healthy blood supply throughout a person's life. These stem cells can self-renew, meaning they can make copies of themselves, and they can also differentiate into specialized cells. This remarkable capability makes HSCs crucial for treatments like bone marrow transplants, which can help patients recover from diseases like leukemia or other blood disorders.