Artificial blood

Artificial blood? You betcha. Maybe. One day.

Romanian scientists have created a ‘blood-like liquid’ that has the potential to be used as artificial blood. Their special recipe uses (amongst other ingredients) a protein called hemerythrin which is extracted from marine worms. This protein gives the fake blood resistance to mechanical and chemical stress. This ability is what is missing from numerous previous attempts to make artificial blood.

So far tests have been successful - on mice. A few more years of tests will be needed before human trials are considered.

However, a few years down the track this stuff could prove very useful in accident and emergency departments of hospitals.

Go Science!!!