Universal artificial blood could be coming to a hospital near you

(NewsNation) — Widespread use of lifesaving artificial blood could be a reality by the end of the decade, according to published reports.

Clinical trials are underway at Nara Medical University in Japan after researchers administered a prototype to a small group of volunteers earlier this year with no significant side effects.

The product contains hemoglobin molecules from expired donor blood, which are encapsulated in protective lipid shells to create artificial red blood cells. As with regular blood, the new mixture is capable of carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Unlike blood from humans, however, the artificial variety being tested in Japan does not need to match a certain blood type for transfusions. Like “universal donor” Type O- blood, the manufactured blood is considered usabl