British scientists are all set to become the first in the world to use embryonic stem cells for producing unlimited amounts of synthetic human blood, paving the way for infection-free emergency transfusions.
This week, scientists will announce a three-year research project, in which transfusion of "synthetic" blood made from the stem cells of spare IVF embryos will be done for the first time in human volunteers.f successful, the project could help save the lives of anyone, from the victims of traffic accidents to soldiers on a battlefield, by revolutionising the vital blood transfusion services.
AIDS/HIV Risk Associated with Blood Transfusion
AIDS/HIV risk associated with blood transfusion is very if blood is routinely screened by the blood test
AIDS/HIV risk associated with blood transfusion is very if blood is routinely screened by the blood test
In the study, researchers will test human embryos left over from IVF treatment to find those that are genetically programmed to develop into the "O-negative" blood group, which is the universal donor group whose blood can be transfused into anyone without fear of tissue rejection.
Although O-negative blood group is relatively rare because only seven per cent of the population has it, the researchers believe that it may be produced in unlimited quantities from embryonic stem cells because of their ability to multiply indefinitely in the laboratory.
They are aiming to stimulate embryonic stem cells to develop into mature, oxygen-carrying red blood cells for emergency transfusions.
Such blood would have the benefit of not being at risk of being infected with viruses like HIV and hepatitis, or the human form of "mad cow" disease.
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VCJD can Spread Through Blood Transfusion: Study
After studying sheep for nine years, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found evidence that vCJD can be transmitted through blood transfusion in humans.
After studying sheep for nine years, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found evidence that vCJD can be transmitted through blood transfusion in humans.
However, people not happy with the idea of destroying embryos to create stem cells may have difficult ethical issues with the development of blood from the cells of spare IVF embryos.
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Bloodless And Transfusion-Free Surgery Has Its Benefits-Founder
The pioneer of transfusion-free bloodless surgery has revealed just why the technique is so beneficial, especially for patients wary of transfusions or those whose religion does not allow for it.
The pioneer of transfusion-free bloodless surgery has revealed just why the technique is so beneficial, especially for patients wary of transfusions or those whose religion does not allow for it.
Source-ANI
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