That makes no sense.
This technology involves taking an EXISTING cell, emptying it, and replacing the original DNA with the synthesized DNA.
How is that going to help with making red blood cells, which have no DNA? There is nothing to replace.
We can't make a cell from scratch yet, we need to have an existing cell to 'reprogram'. Basically, they removed the bacterium's hard drive, and replaced it with a new one that had a different operating system. They can't yet build the rest of the 'computer'.
However, in a completely unrelated research project, they have succeeded in making a cell-like structure with the SHAPE of a red blood cell, which contains a chemical that bonds and releases oxygen just like a red blood cell does. THAT technology is real artificial blood, and may come to replace donated blood if it can be made cost effective. It's certainly a heck of a lot safer.
Here's an article on the artificial red blood cells: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1217201827.htm
Reply With Quote