Wired Science – Health – Blood Simple

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In the world of medicine, blood has always been a precious and elusive commodity. From life-saving transfusions to crucial lab tests, our dependency on blood is indisputable. However, blood has always been a difficult substance to master and replicate. Despite our best efforts, it has resisted commodification and manipulation. That is, until the recent development of Perflourocarbons (PFC).

PFC is a milky white fluid that contains an active ingredient capable of carrying oxygen, which has been tested as a possible substitute for human blood. This revolutionary new technology has the potential to change the future of medicine as we know it. So what is PFC, and how does it work?

To understand the components of PFC, we must first examine the unique core molecule of blood: hemoglobin. This molecule is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Attached to hemoglobin are proteins that designate blood types A, B, AB and O. PFC, on the other hand, contains a different type of molecule that can carry oxygen without the need for hemoglobin.

In recent years, PFC has been used in clinical trials as a blood substitute for emergency situations. One of the main advantages of PFC is that it can be stored for long periods without refrigeration, which is not the case for human blood. Additionally, PFC does not carry any of the viruses or bacteria that can be found in human blood, which makes it a safer alternative.

The potential of PFC as a substitute for blood is enormous. It could revolutionize the way we approach medical emergencies, particularly in situations where blood transfusions are not readily available. Furthermore, PFC could potentially replace human blood in transfusions altogether, as it is a more stable and safer alternative. This would alleviate the constant demand for blood donations, which is often a scarce resource in many parts of the world.

Despite the potential benefits of PFC, there are still significant hurdles to overcome before it can become a widely accepted blood substitute. One of the main concerns is its effectiveness in carrying oxygen. Studies have shown that PFC has a lower oxygen-carrying capacity than human blood. Another challenge is the lack of long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of PFC, particularly in comparison to human blood.

In conclusion, the development of PFC is a promising step forward in the field of medicine. While there are still many unanswered questions and concerns regarding its safety and efficacy, it has the potential to change the future of healthcare and the way we approach medical emergencies. It is an exciting time for medical science and we eagerly await further developments in this revolutionary technology.

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