UK scientists plan a major research project to see if synthetic human blood can be made from embryonic stem cells.
Led by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, the three year trial could provide an unlimited supply of blood for emergency transfusions.
The blood should be free of infections like the human form of mad cow disease.
Teams will test human embryos left over from IVF treatment to find those destined to develop into the universal "O-negative" blood donor group.
We could provide an unlimited supply of blood in this way
Project lead Professor Marc Turner
O-negative blood can be transfused into anyone without fear of tissue rejection and is the only safe option when a patient's blood group is unknown or not immediately available.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7958582.stm
Led by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, the three year trial could provide an unlimited supply of blood for emergency transfusions.
The blood should be free of infections like the human form of mad cow disease.
Teams will test human embryos left over from IVF treatment to find those destined to develop into the universal "O-negative" blood donor group.
We could provide an unlimited supply of blood in this way
Project lead Professor Marc Turner
O-negative blood can be transfused into anyone without fear of tissue rejection and is the only safe option when a patient's blood group is unknown or not immediately available.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7958582.stm