Donated blood has a short shelf-life - only 35 days for red cells - but now researchers in Essex hope to improve this by developing a synthetic blood substitute. The Haem02 project hopes to develop a one-size-fits-all, third generation artificial blood substitute that can be stored easily at room temperature and available to all patients regardless of blood type. What's more, the blood substitute can be stockpiled as it has a shelf life of up to two years. The substitute is a safe, long-lasting and virus-free alternative to current blood transfusions and could be used in all countries, particularly at the site of natural disasters.
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