Slashdot Mirror
Another Try at Artificial Blood
kpogoda writes "There are some Swedish scientists that have successfully produced a powdered form of blood that can be used to treat patients. Although it is not ready for transfusions yet it is a major breakthrough in a much needed arena."
Why would the vampires not be pleased? This is a safe and quick blood-source, which may very well be more stable than the older homocidal methods. Surely on this pro-OSS extra choices would be seen as a good thing?
puts ("Python r0cks\n");
This article made me realize something... this fancy new powdered blood (akin to Tang, I think) is called Hemospan. So why the hell does Hemos call himself Hemos? Is he trying to make a fashion statement about blood, using some stylish shortening of the word 'hemoglobin'? I guess blood-red is really in these days.
A.K.A. Vampire Tang
Artifical blood made from...blood!
Made from contented donors.
Ceci n'est pas une signature.
How can it be artificial when it is made from real human blood?
I'm not a doctor (but I play one on TV), and I'm confused by a seeming contradiction in the article.
One paragraph states "The product is a powder made from blood that has been stored for more than six weeks and can not be used for transfusion." Later in the article, the following statement is made "The powder can be mixed into liquid when required, and transfused into patients regardless of their blood type."
Was the intent of the first statement to indicate that Hemospan is necessary, but not sufficient, in that it lacks the functionality of the platelets and plasma?
---anactofgod---
---anactofgod---
"Equal opportunity swindling - *that* is the true test of a sustainable democracy."
Blood is a living tissue. How the hell do you "dry and powder" it?
Powdered toast?
If I seem short sighted, it is because I stand on the shoulders of midgets
It tastes just as good as the original!
Reminds me of the old joke:
A vampire walks into a bar and orders a glass of warm water.
The bartender brings him the glass and asks "what's this for?"
The vampire pulls out a used tampon, dunks it in the glass and says
'I prefer instant'
Or something like that....!
Cruising the internet on my TI-99/4A @ a whopping 300 baud!
Now game developers could defend themselves by claiming that the blood they are simulating is artificial
(in C&C blood was replaced by oil in some countries)
I'll email you some. You can't see it, it's invisible (water is clear, right?). Just put a glass next to the modem to get yours. Then mix in some water, and presto!
I have a shake for breakfast, a shake for for lunch, and a sensible dinner.
Karma: Chevy Kavalierma.
This is a very important development for Jehovah's Witnesses. The article mentions that it is possible to use animal blood rather than human blood for blood transfusions. It is against Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs to accept blood transfusions because it is considered to be consuming the flesh of another person. So, since accepting animal blood would not be against the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, it may clear up the controversy surrounding JW's refusal of necessary blood transfusions?
Scientists are actually working on a blood subsitutie, also called a Hemoglobin Based Oxygen Carrier, derived from cow blood. Biopure Corporation calls its product Hemopure. The company has a fairly inofrmative website here. Wired Magazine had another decent piece. Currently it is in human trials in South Africa where AIDS has decimated the blood supply.
The problem with pure hemoglobin is that it falls apart in the blood when not in a blood cell and becomes poisonous. Hemopure is cross linked with polymers within its structure to make it stay togeather and to increase it's oxygen carrying capbilites. Super cow blood, one might say.
Of course this would be even better. But you know --one step at a time.
I was hoping they had some artificial plasma as well. That would be miraculous and a real cost saver. But it would also be asking a bit much. The plasma is where all the interesting proteins hide, so it probably will never be suited to a dried form. But if it does get figured out, whoa look out. That will probably be about the same time somebody pinpoints the mechanism behind reprogramming after nuclear transfer. With an endless supply of human serum and flawless regprogramming, we'll be in for a brave new world!
Praise Ford and pass the soma. This is totally pneumatic.