Fossilized blood cells found in 115M-year-old dinosaur bone
Fossilized blood cells were found in a dinosaur bone dated to 115 million years ago. The discovery reveals preserved cellular structures in an ancient fossil. (pnas.org)
Hand-Cranked Device Can Tell You Your Blood Type and Red Cell Levels in a Minute
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Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed a compact, hand-cranked blood tester designed for emergencies and places without electricity or laboratory equipment. Using a tiny blood sample, it identifies blood type and estimates hematocrit - the proportion of red blood cells that carry oxygen - in about a minute. These measurements can help clinicians respond to urgent needs such as blood loss, anemia, and selecting compatible blood. The device uses centrifugal force from cranking to move blood through channels containing antibodies. The antibodies cause cells to clump in patterns that reveal the blood group; tiny slits trap the clumps, and the amount retained indicates hematocrit.
In tests on 21 clinical samples, the readings closely matched those from standard automated analyzers, with little difference in hematocrit results. Cranking speed did not affect accuracy, and the device is roughly the size of a chunky TV remote, making it potentially suitable for portable medical kits. The results are promising but preliminary: the small sample requires broader clinical validation, and the current version covers the eight main blood types but not rarer groups or unusually high or low hematocrit levels. Researchers also need to test its performance in real field conditions, which may differ from a laboratory. Further development could make the device useful to first responders and medical teams working far from hospitals.
Summary generated by AI from the linked article. hn.today is not affiliated with Hacker News or Y Combinator.
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