AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION 02 September 04 Blood, make it snappy (Michelle Pountney)
Crocodile blood could provide answers for scientists seeking to make artificial blood for humans.
Scientists at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation are studying haemoglobin in the red blood cells of crocodiles.
Haemoglobin carries oxygen to the cells from the lungs, and carbon dioxide away from the cells.
A blood substitute could be injected directly into patients with no need for matching blood types, allowing lives to be saved in emergencies.
Being able to replicate haemoglobin in an artificial solution is the key to producing artificial blood.
Blood, make it snappy