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How does the body stop bleeding?

Researchers at University of Leeds discover how platelet myosin is normally kept inactive, but genetic mutations push it out of balance leading to disease. This breakthrough sheds light on the role of platelet myosin in blood clotting and shedding new hope for treating bleeding disorders.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

Researchers create an injectable particle to make surgery safer for infants

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created an injectable microgel called B-knob triggered microgels (BK-TriGs) that can help reduce bleeding in infants during surgery. The microgel works by mimicking the mechanical properties of natural platelets, which helps to create fibrin networks and stanch bleeding.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2026

Large clinical RCT trial finds no clear added benefit of catheter ablation for preventing recurrent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation

A nationwide Japanese trial found that catheter ablation did not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke or major cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation who had recently experienced a stroke. The study, which enrolled 251 patients and followed them for over three years, suggests that routine addition of catheter ablatio...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2026

Blood clot sting in the tail of scorpion venom

A study by Professor Bryan Fry and Sam Campbell from the University of Queensland found that scorpion venom activates major clotting factors in human blood, particularly Factors VII and X. The research also identified small-molecule metalloprotease inhibitors that can neutralize the procoagulant effect.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Could boosting this molecule slow pancreatic cancer progression?

Researchers at Salk Institute and UC San Diego have identified a unique sugar called HSAT as a potential therapeutic target for slowing tumor progression and metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Boosting HSAT levels may slow the formation and spread of pancreatic cancer, leading to improved survival rates among patients.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 17, 2025

A new anticoagulant with no risk of bleeding

A new anticoagulant with on-demand reversible activity has been developed by a team from UNIGE and the University of Sydney. This breakthrough offers a more reliable and easier-to-use option for surgical procedures, reducing the risk of serious bleeding associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateApr 30, 2024

Scientists’ discovery could reduce dependence on animals for vital anti-blood clot drug

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a patented process to produce heparin in the lab, offering a consistent and safe supply of the essential medicine. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the production of heparin, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources and addressing global supply chain issues.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Octapharma's prothrombin complex concentrate, Balfaxar®, receives FDA approval for warfarin reversal in urgent surgery & invasive procedures

Octapharma's Balfaxar, a prothrombin complex concentrate, has received FDA approval for the urgent reversal of acquired coagulation factor deficiency induced by vitamin K antagonist therapy. The product demonstrated effective hemostasis in 94.6% of patients and was non-inferior to comparator Kcentra.

SourceYankee Public Relations·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

Injectable biomaterial with enhanced mechanical and coagulative capabilities for treating aneurysms

A new injectable hydrogel has been developed with enhanced shear-thinning properties, improved cellular biocompatibility, and significantly reduced clotting times. The biomaterial was created by adding sodium phytate to a gelatin-based compound, promoting even greater cohesion and triggering the initiation of blood coagulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Flatworm-inspired medical adhesives stop blood loss

Researchers from McGill University developed a medical adhesive inspired by flatworms that uses suction to absorb blood and promote blood coagulation. The adhesive can be removed without causing re-bleeding, making it a potential replacement for wound sutures or delivering drugs.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

UCF-developed real-time blood monitor saves doctors critical time during surgery

The UCF-developed real-time blood monitor uses an optical fiber to assess blood status and can be inserted directly into heart-lung machines or catheters without withdrawing blood from patients. This device has been shown to save doctors critical time during life-or-death operations, particularly in surgeries on infants.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalSoft Matter·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

'Fixing' blood vessel cells to diagnose blood clotting disorders

A new device replicates the crucial interface between endothelial cells and circulating blood, enabling the diagnosis of blood clotting disorders and monitoring of anti-platelet therapy. The device uses chemically fixed human endothelial cells to mimic cellular and vascular flow conditions, increasing robustness and diagnostic accuracy.

They shall not pass!

A study by LMU researchers found that neutrophils play a crucial role in blood coagulation and antimicrobial defense, trapping pathogens in small blood vessels. Excessive clotting, however, can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack and stroke.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 3, 2010

Nonalcoholic beverages may impart cardiovascular benefits without the negative effects of alcohol

Researchers have discovered that nonalcoholic beer can impart cardiovascular benefits without the negative effects of alcohol. The study found that nonalcoholic beer reduced platelet activation and blood coagulation just as well as alcoholic beverages, which may help prevent conditions such as coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.