In her project, Sipkins will investigate molecular characteristics of tissue microenvironments, or «niches,» within the
bone marrow and how
normal, healthy hematopoietic stem cells, which
give rise to the many kinds of blood cells, compete with malignant cells to occupy these coveted niches.
During the approach of the third phase, the fibrous
bone that formed in the medulla is resorbed,
giving the radiologist a more
normal picture again, and production of blood by the
marrow resumes a more
normal procedure.