] Numerous past attempts to develop synthetic blood have
] failed because doctors got the basic science wrong, claim
] a handful of researchers. This week it was announced that
] a blood substitute based on their alternative theories is
] looking promising in an early trial.
]
] Developing a suitable blood substitute for people has
] been a major effort for decades. An artificial blood
] would relieve shortages and prevent patients being
] infected by contaminated supplies.
]
] Ideally, it could be given to anyone without triggering
] rejection, so accident victims could be given
] transfusions immediately without testing to see what
] blood group they are. And a long-lasting form that does
] not need to be kept cold would be ideal for use in
] disasters, wars and remote areas.