Artificial blood could soon run through your veins, as clinical trials are set for 2017

By Andy Boxall Updated June 25, 2015

blood laser test — science photo/Shutterstock

The National Health Service in the UK has announced it’s confident the world’s first clinical trials of lab-produced red blood cells will begin in 2017, meaning that in the near future, artificial blood may be used in blood transfusions.

The development of a synthetic blood is being pushed forward due to falling donor numbers, and a need to maintain the amount of blood the NHS requires, at a reasonable price. The early trials will involve a small amount of the blood being introduced — less than 10ml — any adverse reactions monitored, and a comparison with normal blood made.

Produced from stem cells taken from donor blood or blood from umbilical cords, it’s hoped that if the trials are successful, an unlimited quantity of artificial blood can be produced for use in emergency transfusions.

It’s part of the NHS’s research and development program concentrating on blood and organ transplants, Dr. Nick Watkins said: “These trials will compare manufactured cells with donated blood. The intention is not to replace blood donation, but provide specialist treatment for specific patient groups.”

While the future may turn out differently, Dr. Watkins told the Independent that during the trials, the artificial blood won’t replace donated blood, but help patients with specific needs. For example, those with sickle-cell anemia, who require a normal blood transfusion. The development of an easily produced synthetic blood could also help people with rare blood types in need of an emergency transfusion. Artificial blood developed in a lab, and outside of the human body, has the advantage of being disease-free, with no risk of introducing blood viruses like HIV.

A New Scientist report notes that while synthetic blood should work, and has been in development all over the world for several years, the issue is with making it in large enough quantities. The NHS’s trials will come in 2017, and are part of a five-year program, with more than £12 million in funding.

Topics

Senior Mobile Writer

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

Emerging Tech

This bracelet helps you fall asleep faster and sleep longer

woman-in-bed-wearing-twilight-apollo-on-ankle

This content was produced in partnership with Apollo Neuroscience.
Have you been struggling to get the recommended seven hours of sleep? It's always frustrating when you get in bed at a reasonable time, then toss and turn for a hours before you actually sleep. The quality of that sleep is important too. If you're waking up multiple times during the night, you're likely not getting the quality REM cycle sleep that truly rejuvenates your body. If traditional remedies like herbal teas and noise machines just aren't helping, maybe it's time to try a modern solution. Enter the Apollo wearable.

Now we understand being a little skeptical. How can a bracelet on your wrist or ankle affect your sleep patterns? Certainly the answer to a better night's sleep can't be so simple. We considered these same things when we first heard of it. We'll dive deeper into the science behind the Apollo wearable, but suffice it to say that many people have experienced deeper, uninterrupted sleep while wearing one.
A non-conventional approach to better sleep

Deals

The 11 best Father’s Day deals that you can get for Sunday

Data from a workout showing on the screen of the Apple Watch Series 8.

Father's Day is fast approaching and there's still time to buy your beloved Dad a sweet new device to show him how much you love him. That's why we've rounded up the ten best Father's Day tech deals going on right now. There's something for most budgets here, including if you're able to spend a lot on your loved one. Read on while we take you through the highlights and remember to order fast so you don't miss out on the big day.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 -- $200, was $230

While it's the Plus version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 that features in our look at the best tablets, the standard variety is still worth checking out. Saving your Dad the need to dig out their laptop or squint at a small phone screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a large 10.5-inch LCD display and all the useful features you would expect. 128GB of storage means plenty of room for all your Dad's favorite apps as well as games too. A long-lasting battery and fast charging save him the need for a power source too often too.

Deals

The Apollo wearable is proven to help you sleep better (and it’s on sale)

Apollo wearable worn during sleep in bed.

This content was produced in partnership with Apollo Neuro.
Stress, anxiety, and insomnia are all concerning things that just about everyone struggles with at one time or another. Maybe you can sleep, fending off insomnia, but you lack quality sleep and don’t feel rested in the morning. Or, maybe when it’s time to kick back and relax, you just can’t find a way to do so. There are many solutions for these issues, some work, and others don’t, but one unlikely area of support can be found in a modern, smart wearable.

Medicine is the obvious choice, but not everyone prefers to go that route. There is an answer in modern technology or rather a modern wearable device. One such device is the Apollo wearable, which improves sleep and stress relief via touch therapy. According to Apollo Neuro, the company behind the device, which is worn on your ankle, wrist or clipped to your clothing, it sends out waves of vibrations to help your body relax and reduce feelings of stress. It's an interesting new approach to a common problem that has typically been resolved via medicine, therapy, or other more invasive and time-consuming techniques. The way it utilizes those vibrations, uniquely placed and administered, to create a sense of peace, makes us ask, can it really cure what ails us? We’ll dig a little deeper into how it achieves what it does and what methods it’s using to make you feel better.