blood

Health & Safety

A Genetic Test For A Microscopic Problem Came With A Jumbo Price Tag

4:36pm March 31, 2020

by Liz Szabo

Molecular diagnostics are at the frontier of medical science. But along with precise information about health, the tests raise billing questions that can create a minefield for patients.

Workers use a tape measure mark spaces six feet apart for people to wait in line safely as they convert the outdoor plaza in front of Zaytinya, one of Chef José Andres' restaurants in Washington, D.C. Efforts to contain the coronavirus are affecting bloo

Social Distancing Leads To Blood Shortage

3:56pm March 17, 2020

by Jeff Brady

Coronavirus concerns and social distancing guidelines have prompted organizers to cancel thousands of blood drives around the country. Now officials warn there's a shortage for hospitals.

Researchers have identified waves of proteins in blood that peak at three distinct stages of life. What do the findings mean for aging?

Health & Safety

Scientists Find Surprising Age-Related Protein Waves In Blood

4:23pm December 05, 2019

by Richard Harris

They've identified hundreds of proteins in human blood that wax and wane in surprising ways as we age. The findings could provide important clues about which substances in the blood can slow aging.

Queue Listen Now

A blood transfusion bag hangs in an operating room in a hospital in the Republic of Congo. Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have a huge gap between blood supply and demand, new research found.

Hospitals Around The World Have A Dire Shortage Of Blood

4:13pm October 22, 2019

by Tim McDonnell

The first global analysis of blood supply and demand finds that many developing countries are relying on risky emergency donations.

The red drop of blood (left) was designated as an official emoji to symbolize menstruation, among other things, this year. The design at right, submitted in 2017, was not accepted.

Why Period Activists Think The 'Drop Of Blood' Emoji Is A Huge Win

2:48pm February 08, 2019

by Malaka Gharib

The nonprofit group Plan International UK has been lobbying for an emoji to represent menstruation since 2017. And now they have one — although not everyone is a fan of the design.

The prehensile tailed skink from the highlands of New Papua New Guinea has green blood due to high concentrations of the green bile pigment biliverdin. The green bile pigment in the blood overwhelms the intense crimson color of red blood cells resulting i

Why Do Some Lizards Have Green Blood?

4:48pm May 16, 2018

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Scientists are trying to figure out how green-blooded lizards might benefit from the unusual pigment. The answer could provide new insights into human illnesses like jaundice and malaria.

Queue Listen Now

In the Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe, boudin is a food entrenched in the history of colonization and slavery.

Boudin: A Story Of Sausage, Slavery And Rebellion In The Caribbean

3:40pm May 04, 2017

by Melissa Banigan

This bloody fare was brought to the French territory of Guadeloupe by colonists, who set off deep racial tensions that still exist. But the messy sausage-making process also unites family and friends.