Unexplainable Blood farm
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Apr 23, 2025 
Nicola Twilley, a science writer and New Yorker contributor, dives deep into the fascinating world of blood. Discover how a single donor, James Harrison, revolutionized medicine with his rare blood type. Explore the race to synthesize artificial blood amidst persistent shortages, while scientists tackle complex challenges in replicating its functions. Learn about the promise of lab-grown blood and the potential of mRNA technology in paving the way for future medical breakthroughs. It's a captivating journey through the science that could save lives.
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James Harrison's Lifesaving Blood Donations
- James Harrison donated blood nearly 1,200 times over 64 years despite being terrified of needles.
- His rare antibody saved almost 2.5 million lives through a medication derived from his blood.
Blood Is a Living Fluid
- Blood is alive and filled with active cells, unlike a simple liquid like milk.
- It performs vital tasks including oxygen delivery, waste removal, temperature and pH regulation, and immune defense.
Complexity Behind Blood Replication
- Replicating blood is challenging because we don't fully understand how it performs its many complex functions.
- Scientists face dual challenges of understanding blood's mechanisms and recreating them synthetically.