US scientists get $11 million to build ‘smart’ blood cells for soldiers
- UC San Diego researchers received up to $11.3 million from DARPA to develop “smart” red blood cells for military use.
- The engineered cells could temporarily boost oxygen delivery, potentially improving soldiers’ endurance during intense physical activity.
- Scientists plan to use gene editing so the cells can sense physical exertion and respond by producing proteins that improve oxygen delivery.
- The three-year project also involves researchers from Northeastern University, the University of Pennsylvania and MIT; no human testing is planned at this stage.
Source: google.com
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