Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Damaged red blood cells can trigger inflammation

Researchers at Lund University have identified a mechanism by which heme, released from damaged red blood cells, activates an inflammatory response. The kallikrein-kinin system pathway was found to be involved, leading to increased permeability and fluid leakage in surrounding tissues.

SourceLund University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

Centuries after discovery, red blood cells still hold surprises

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania discover red blood cells contribute to clot contraction, shrinking and stabilizing blood clots. The finding opens door to new strategies for studying and treating clotting disorders, such as excessive bleeding or dangerous clots like those seen in strokes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

Breakthrough in artificial blood production

Researchers at the University of Konstanz and Queen Mary University of London have made a significant breakthrough in artificial blood production by identifying the molecular signal CXCL12 that triggers the expulsion of the nucleus in red blood cells. This finding could lead to more efficient artificial blood production and has far-rea...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 7, 2025

Scientists discover new approach to gene therapy

Researchers have found a promising new method for gene therapy by bringing dormant genes closer to enhancer switches on the DNA. This 'delete-to-recruit' strategy has potential for treating genetic diseases such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, offering an alternative to expensive current treatments.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

Security veins: Advanced biometric authentication through AI and infrared

A new method of biometric authentication has been developed using hyperspectral imaging and AI to identify individuals through the unique patterns in their blood vessels on the palm of their hand. The technology shows great promise for secure personal identification and could potentially be used as a key to unlock homes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2025

New tool reveals how malaria sticks to red blood vessels

A new gene-editing tool enables precise study of variable proteins that allow malaria parasites to stick to red blood cells and evade the immune system. The study introduces a platform to explore how malaria causes disease and identifies new proteins involved in the cytoadhesion process.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 26, 2024

De-mystifying the targeted removal of red blood cells

Red blood cells undergo a regulated process of removal to prevent premature ageing and potential health issues. The study highlights the role of proteins in regulating this process, paving the way for novel therapeutics and early diagnostics for anaemia.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2024

New small molecule could treat sickle cell disease in adults that don’t respond to hydroxyurea, alone

Researchers discovered a new small molecule, SR-18292, that increases fetal hemoglobin production and reduces sickled red blood cells in mice with sickle cell disease. The study suggests that combining SR-18292 with hydroxyurea could provide a vital new treatment option for patients who don't respond well to traditional treatments.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2024

Scientists show the key role of spleen and extracellular vesicles in cryptic malaria infections

Researchers have identified the spleen as a critical organ in cryptic malaria infections, where over 95% of Plasmodium vivax biomass is stored. Extracellular vesicles facilitate the parasite's adherence to spleen cells, enabling its survival and evasion of immune responses.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

First heat map for individual red blood cells

A new approach enables scientists to measure entropy production at the nanoscale, shedding light on energy efficiency and metabolic processes in living systems. The study uses colloidal particles to measure fluctuations in the red blood cell membrane and apply minuscule forces to analyze heat flow.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

Low-frequency ultrasound can improve oxygen saturation in blood

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology found that low-frequency ultrasound influences blood parameters, improving oxygen saturation and lowering blood pressure. The study used artificial intelligence to analyze 300 blood samples, revealing the potential for non-pharmaceutical treatment to improve oxygen circulation.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalApplied System Innovation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Mount Sinai researchers find testosterone hormone therapy for transmasculine individuals is safer than previously thought

Mount Sinai researchers have found that testosterone treatment is safer than previously reported, with a smaller degree of change in hematocrit levels. The study, involving over 6,670 transmasculine patients, suggests that providers can feel more comfortable prescribing testosterone as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateNov 27, 2023

Red blood cell transfusion in the ICU

Red blood cell transfusions were common in ICU patients globally, with overlapping reasons for use despite differing clinical contexts. The three most common triggers for transfusion (hypotension, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability) were largely consistent across regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 2023

Malaria vaccine candidate appears safe and produces promising immune response in a cohort of Tanzanian infants

A new malaria vaccine candidate has shown promising results in a cohort of Tanzanian infants, with substantial anti-RH5 immune responses achieved safely through vaccination. The vaccine targets the RH5 protein used by the malaria pathogen to invade red blood cells, providing a second line of defense against disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalMed·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

In sync? Malaria parasite and human time clocks do align

A study by Florida Atlantic University and Duke University reveals that the malaria parasite's biological clock is 'in sync' with its human host's circadian clock. The researchers discovered a 'coupling' mechanism between the parasite and its host, which could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Better cryoprotection for red blood cells

Researchers have discovered ultra-thin metal-organic layers that prevent ice crystal formation in red blood cells during freezing and thawing. These nanolayers, made from metal-organic frameworks based on hafnium, show excellent cryoprotection at minimal concentrations, potentially leading to new and efficient cryoprotectants.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Membrane discs as antitoxins

Researchers have developed nanodiscs based on the cell membranes of human red blood cells, which can effectively neutralize bacterial toxins. These nanodiscs, called RBC-NDs, are biocompatible and non-toxic, making them potentially useful as nanovaccines.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Vitamin B5 could help improve red blood cell production in people with Myelodysplastic syndromes

Researchers have discovered that the enzyme COASY plays a critical role in regulating red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Vitamin B5 supplementation and another metabolite increased the maturation of red blood cells in patients with Myelodysplastic syndromes, offering new hope for alternative treatments.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

“Spleen-on-a-chip” yields insight into sickle cell disease

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to model the spleen's filtration function in patients with sickle cell disease. The study found that low oxygen levels can cause the spleen's filters to become clogged, while boosting oxygen levels can unclog them, potentially explaining how blood transfusions help patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2023

Transgender women’s heart-lung capacity and strength exceed those of cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy

A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

‘Placenta-on-a-chip’ mimics malaria-infected nutrient exchange between mother-fetus

Researchers developed a novel 3D microfluidic device to study complicated processes within the placenta, including placental malaria. The model demonstrates that CSA-binding infected erythrocytes add resistance to the simulated placental barrier for glucose perfusion and decrease glucose transfer across this barrier.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2022

Study shows people with a high omega-3 DHA level in their blood are at 49% lower risk of Alzheimer’s

A new study published in Nutrients found that individuals with higher red blood cell DHA levels have a 49% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted on 1,490 participants aged 65 and older, suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 DHA levels may slow the development of the disease.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalNutrients·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2022

Kumamoto University’s Dr. Kenichi Miharada awarded this year’s Heisei Memorial Research Grant from the Japan Prize Foundation

Dr. Kenichi Miharada and his team received the grant to develop an in vitro red blood cell production method due to global blood shortage for transfusions. They have already established a semi-infinitely proliferating red blood cell source called immortalized human erythroblast cell line (ELLU cells), but face technical challenges.

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