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Cold and room-temperature platelets in cardiac surgery

Researchers found that cold storage platelets (CSPs) can control active surgical bleeding as effectively as room temperature platelets (RTPs), with potential benefits including reduced wastage and increased platelet availability. CSPs may also enable platelet incorporation into inventory at locations with limited shelf life for RTPs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2026

Researchers discover a new therapeutic target to prevent thrombi with a lower bleeding risk

Researchers at the Sant Pau Research Institute have identified a new protein involved in platelet activation that could lead to safer antithrombotic therapies. The LRP5 protein is directly involved in arterial thrombus formation and regulates the platelet P2Y12 receptor, reducing thrombus formation with lower bleeding risk.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Scientists unveil molecular map that could unlock new treatments for heart and lung diseases

Researchers have created a detailed molecular map of the thromboxane A2 receptor, which could lead to the development of safer and more effective therapies targeting this clinically important signalling system. The study reveals an unusual activation switch and provides insights into how signalling molecules interact with the receptor.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 2026

Scientists use synthetic platelets as ‘Trojan horse’ drug-delivery system

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University improved electrode performance in brain-computer interfaces by delivering anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the site of implantation using platelet-inspired nanoparticles. The breakthrough has potential applications for treating various diseases involving inflammation and vascular injury.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2025

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

Seeing blood clots before they strike

Researchers developed a new imaging technique that uses artificial intelligence and high-speed microscopy to track platelet behavior in real-time. The study shows promise for personalizing heart disease treatment by monitoring clotting risk in patients with coronary artery disease.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2025

Novel blood-based biomarker analysis provides insights to improve therapy decisions and treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic disease

Researchers identified platelets, C-reactive protein, and chromogranin A as markers that can predict the failure of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treatment. The study also found that miR-375 expression and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio are negative predictors for therapy failure in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2025

Feeling stressed may lead to worsened respiratory symptoms, decreased quality of life

A new study found that increased perceived stress can lead to worsened respiratory symptoms and decreased quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study also examined the association between stress and platelet activation, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2025

High-fat diet promote breast cancer metastasis in animal models

Researchers discovered that a high-fat diet activates mechanisms facilitating breast cancer metastasis by promoting platelet activation and fibronectin expression, creating a fertile breeding ground for tumor cells to take root. This study provides new insights into the relationship between obesity and breast cancer spread.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

White blood cells use brute force to dislodge bacteria

A recent study in Nature Communications reveals that white blood cells employ a novel mechanism to dislodge bacteria from human tissues using brute force and integrin-based adhesion rings. The research, led by Xuefeng Wang, has significant implications for understanding the role of macrophages in cleaning up environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Study shows how high blood sugar increases risk of thrombosis

Researchers from Brazil's Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine found that high blood sugar can cause thrombosis by altering endothelial function and promoting platelet adhesion. They identified a specific molecular mechanism involving protein disulfide isomerase A1 as a key regulator of this process.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateNov 6, 2024

Blood stem cell breakthrough could transform bone marrow transplants

Melbourne researchers have developed a breakthrough in creating lab-grown human blood stem cells, which can be used to treat childhood blood disorders. The cells closely mimic those found in the human embryo and can create specific matched blood cells for transplantation, reducing complications and addressing donor shortages.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Blood platelet score detects previously unmeasured risk of heart attack and stroke

Researchers developed a new platelet-centric scoring system to predict platelet hyperreactivity and cardiovascular events. The Platelet Reactivity ExpresSion Score (PRESS) can detect hyperreactive platelets in patients at imminent risk of heart attack and healthy individuals with unknown future risk.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

New pathway in immune defense discovered

Bonn researchers decode the interaction between monocytes and platelets, revealing a new intercellular communication mechanism that regulates monocyte function. This discovery has implications for treating immune disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia and other inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 8, 2024

USTC unveils 3D structure and molecular mechanism of platelet drug transporter ABCC4

The study reveals the molecular mechanism by which ABCC4 recognizes broad-spectrum substrates, providing a structural basis for rational design of platelet antagonists targeting ABCC4. The research also elucidated the molecular mechanism of ABCC4 in binding and transporting platelet agonists and antagonists.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateJul 28, 2023

Research from Amsterdam UMC shows that the bottom has been reached in restrictive blood transfusion policy

A recent study from Amsterdam UMC suggests that being overly restrictive in blood transfusion policies may not always be the best approach. Researchers found that patients with severe thrombocytopenia actually experience less bleeding if they receive a platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

The thrombosis paradox

A study by an international research team has found a mechanism that occurs in brown bears and paraplegics, preventing the formation of blood clots. The discovery could lead to new treatments for venous thromboembolism, a life-threatening condition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

CHOP researchers develop tool that reduces errors in stem cell transplant reporting

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a custom-built application to automate the determination of engraftment after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The tool has been shown to improve accuracy of reported engraftments, reducing errors in neutrophil and platelet engraftment reporting.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalTransplantation and Cellular Therapy·DateJan 23, 2023

Blood clotting research holds hope for sepsis

Researchers from the University of Birmingham identified a novel mechanism for platelet activation in pathogenic blood clotting. The mechanism, involving platelet receptor glycoprotein I alpha (GPIbα) and anti-microbial protein S100A8/A9, is not blocked by classical anti-platelet drugs and accelerates fibrin activation and thrombosis.

New paper from University Hospitals examines transfusion utilization and appropriateness: Thinking differently at a tertiary academic medical center

Researchers from University Hospitals developed a transfusion appropriateness algorithm to analyze blood transfusions for adult patients. The algorithm led to a decrease in transfusions and an increase in appropriate use, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million over 12 months.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPhysician Leadership Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022