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A protein found in sugar beet could be used as a blood substitute to help tackle the shortage of blood, researchers in Sweden suggest.
Haemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in blood and the team say plant and human versions are very similar.
They are looking at whether they can repackage the plant protein in a way that can be accepted by human tissue.
Scientists said this could be in three years. One UK expert said the study was "exciting" but a "long-term prospect".
Blood transfusions can help many people in emergency situations who have lost a lot of blood and also those needing long-term treatments, such as for cancer and blood diseases.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29913983
Haemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in blood and the team say plant and human versions are very similar.
They are looking at whether they can repackage the plant protein in a way that can be accepted by human tissue.
Scientists said this could be in three years. One UK expert said the study was "exciting" but a "long-term prospect".
Blood transfusions can help many people in emergency situations who have lost a lot of blood and also those needing long-term treatments, such as for cancer and blood diseases.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29913983