Discovery enables mass-produced artificial bloodMarch 27, 2017 - 11:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Scientists say they have made a significant leap towards mass-producing red blood cells suitable for donation, BBC News reports. Red blood cells can already be made in the lab, but the problem is scale. A team at the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant have developed a method to produce an unlimited supply. The artificial blood will be far more expensive than conventional donation. So it is likely to be used for people with very rare blood types. The old technique involved taking a type of stem cell that manufactures red blood cells in the body and coaxing it to do so in the lab. However, each cell eventually burns out and produces no more than 50,000 red blood cells. The trick developed by the Bristol team was to trap the stem cells at an early stage where they grow in number indefinitely. It is known as making them immortal. Once the researchers have this group of cells, they can just trigger them to become red blood cells. Dr Jan Frayne, one of the researchers, said: "We have demonstrated a feasible way to sustainably manufacture red cells for clinical use. We've grown litres of it." Photo: Getty Images Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |