Medical research is a scientific field that aims to discover the human body and its components in depth, but also the diseases that can attack the human being. Thanks to scientific innovations, we are still discovering every day, things that we did not know before. If there is one element that scientists thought they knew in the meantime, it is human blood. However, it turns out that our red liquid still holds secrets that no one knew about.
After years of analyzing blood with a state-of-the-art electron microscope, researchers have made a startling discovery. The peer review medical research has learned that there are free mitochondria circulating in blood cells.
A sensational new discovery about the constitution of human blood
Mitochondria play a fundamental role in the distribution of energy in cells, in addition to ensuring communication between cells. However, scientists thought that they were only found inside cells. It was discovered that mitochondria have their own genome, which is transmitted from mother to child. An amazing discovery that opens the field of medical research to other possibilities.
Many hypotheses have been unveiled by scientists, who believe that extra-cellular mitochondria play a more important role in blood.
The composition of human blood and its specificities
Blood is present in all the organs of the human body, notably for the supply of oxygen and nutrients. This liquid without which man cannot live is also responsible for removing waste. It is made up of 55% plasma and 45% cells, including blood cells and platelets.
- Red blood cells carry the blood group antigens (ABO)
- White blood cells are responsible for immune defense against pathogens
- Platelets are fragments of cells responsible for blood clotting.
- Plasma is responsible for transporting blood cells and waste products.
The advances in medical research on blood are impressive. Every day, innovations are made in the field. Scientists are even considering the possibility of creating artificial blood. But is this feasible in practice?
Making artificial blood: the solution of the future?
In the future, artificial blood could save the lives of millions of people, in case of lack of donors. However, in practice, it is still impossible to make artificial blood because of the complex composition of this physiological liquid.
At present, it is possible to imitate the function of red blood cells in the blood. Researchers have developed perfluorocarbons, molecules that help cells to breathe. One more inspirational step in scientific innovation.
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