The above American project, also known as the “red blood cell factory”, is looking for research related to the introduction of “biologically active ingredients” or “micronutrients” into blood cells. The project’s goal is to modify the cells to “enable recipients, such as soldiers, to operate more effectively in dangerous or harsh environments,” according to Business Insider.
US soldiers participate in training at Novo Selo base (Bulgaria)
Currently, DARPA has not conducted tests on humans or animals, but only researched on blood bags. Christopher Bettinger, a professor of biomedical engineering overseeing the program, said the research is fundamental, but could allow scientists to determine how red blood cell changes can evolve over time. time.
Bettinger hypothesizes that this research could impact how the military fights diseases that grow in red blood cells such as malaria. Another potential application of modified cells is to prevent bleeding caused by trauma, including battlefield wounds.
According to Business Insiderresearchers were also able to modify red blood cells in a way that allowed the drug to last longer without the need for soldiers to take it every day. Depending on the dosage, the drug can protect a person for weeks or months instead of just 24 hours.
Mr. Samir Mitragotri, professor of biological engineering at Harvard University (USA), said: “Each red blood cell exists in the blood for about 4 months and it reaches almost every organ in the body.” Their ubiquity and relatively long lifespan are part of the reason why red blood cells are such an attractive target for scientists.
Mr. Mitragotri shared that cells cannot change too much, thus promoting the body’s digestive process faster. Such advances in bioengineering could be turning points in areas such as treating infectious diseases and cancer – diseases that require long drug treatments. Mr. Mitragotri commented that this is a very promising field.
The US military researches “skeletons” for “super soldiers”
For years, the US military has researched the benefits of biofeedback technology to better understand mental and physical health. There is a lot of research out there about the ability to improve physical fitness through a variety of different endeavors.
In 2019, the US military released the “Cyborg Soldier 2050” report, which detailed how the military is thinking about futures where soldiers could benefit from things like neural and optical enhancements. learn. Although, the above report also acknowledges the ethical and legal concerns surrounding such possibilities.
Not only the US, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has long recognized the strategic importance of biotechnology, engaging in extensive cooperation activities with domestic biotech giants. land. The vast network of partnerships has yielded research with military applicability, including efforts to enhance the physical and cognitive abilities of Chinese soldiers, according to Business Insider.
