08/06/2025
Nara medical university has developed universal artificial blood that works with all blood types — a major breakthrough for emergency care 🩸🚑.
since it doesn’t need refrigeration, it can be used in ambulances, airlifts, and remote clinics without worrying about blood type or cold storage.
reference: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5336091-universal-artificial-blood-japan-studies
phase-one trials with chuo university and the national defense medical college are in progress, and if successful, this innovation could be in global trauma kits by 2030 🌍🧪.
Widespread use of lifesaving artificial blood could be a reality by the end of the decade, according to published reports.
Clinical trials are underway at Nara Medical University in Japan after researchers administered a prototype to a small group of volunteers earlier this year with no significant side effects.
The product contains hemoglobin molecules from expired donor blood, which are encapsulated in protective lipid shells to create artificial red blood cells. As with regular blood, the new mixture is capable of carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Unlike blood from humans, however, the artificial variety being tested in Japan does not need to match a certain blood type for transfusions. Like “universal donor” Type O- blood, the manufactured blood is considered usable for any blood type.
What’s more, artificial blood is reportedly storable for up to two years — far longer than organic blood, which cannot be used after 42 days.
Artificial blood is considered a solution to chronic blood bank shortages, which can be especially life-threatening in underdeveloped parts of the world.
