The blood that millions of people donate daily can only be stored up to six weeks before it must be used in a transfusion. In order to extend the shelf life of blood, UofL researchers are testing a new method that will potentially improve the world鈥檚 blood supply.
Through grants provided by UofL and the National Institute of Health, researchers Jonathan Kopechek and Michael Menze are trying to find out if they can freeze or dry blood into a powder then 鈥渂ring it back to life鈥 months later by adding liquid. If successful, the scientists believe their discovery could solve blood shortage problems on the battlefield or in remote medical centers.聽
鈥淲e feel like this is an opportunity to save lives,鈥 Kopechek said.
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