Japanese scientists develop universal solution for all blood types

IMAGINE a world where blood shortages no longer cost lives. A world where emergencies in rural South African clinics or busy city hospitals aren’t derailed by the lack of compatible blood for transfusions.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

Thanks to revolutionary research by Japanese scientists, this future may be closer than we think.

A critical breakthrough in healthcare is unfolding: the development of artificial blood.

This innovation, led by Hiromi Sakai and his team at Japan's Nara Medical University, has the potential to save millions of lives globally by addressing one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, blood shortages.

The blood supply crisis

Blood transfusions are essential in healthcare, saving lives during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, and the treatment of severe illnesses.

Yet, maintaining an adequate blood supply is a constant challenge, especially in lowand middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa.

The demand for O-negative blood, the universal donor type, is particularly high. This blood type can be used in emergencies for patients of any blood group, but its supply is often insufficient.

The short shelf life of donated red blood cells makes the situation even more difficult, as they can only be kept for 42 days under refrigeration.

The introduction of artificial blood could be a game-changer in ensuring that no patient is turned away due to a lack of compatible blood.

The science behind artificial blood

Artificial blood isn’t just theoretical anymore; it’s real, and its potential is astonishing.