The U.S. military is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to develop synthetic blood products that can withstand the rigors of battlefield logistics. Following a tragic incident in February when a military helicopter transporting blood was shot down in Iraq, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members, the need for a more reliable blood supply has become increasingly apparent. To address this issue, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is investing $1 million in a project focused on creating shelf-stable versions of plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. The goal is to produce dried blood products that can be stored for extended periods, allowing for rapid deployment in critical situations.
However, the journey to establishing synthetic blood alternatives is not without its challenges. Researchers are grappling with significant questions surrounding the safety and efficacy of these products. The project aspires to have functional dried blood bags ready for use in the field by 2024, but achieving this timeline will require overcoming substantial technical and regulatory hurdles.
In another area of innovation, WeLion New Energy, a Chinese company recognized as one of MIT Technology Review’s Climate Tech Companies to Watch, is making strides in battery technology. The firm is developing semi-solid-state batteries that promise to enhance safety and energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. In collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Nio, WeLion introduced a battery pack capable of delivering an impressive range of over 600 kilometers in 2021. Currently, the company is focused on further increasing battery capacity and efficiency, though it faces challenges related to scaling production and maintaining competitive pricing.
Source: The Download: faking blood and the future of batteries via MIT Technology Review