UC San Diego scientists score $11M to develop smart blood cells to supercharge soldiers

California scientists are working to create “smart” blood cells designed to boost soldiers’ endurance and physical performance in a futuristic military project backed by more than $11 million in federal funding.Researchers at UC San Diego announced they had received the contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency—the U.S.Department of Defense’s research and development arm for emerging military technologies.It comes as the military has shifted towards a focus on health under Pete Hegseth, with new fitness requirements, a high-octane US Army advert last year featuring jacked up trainer Scott Dalrymple pumping iron, and the defense secretary appearing with a hulking soldier during a run in Germany.The three-year project will focus on engineering red blood cells that can carry more oxygen, potentially giving military personnel an edge during intense physical activity, reported ABC10.Scientists believe temporarily increasing the cells’ oxygen-delivery capacity could improve endurance, reduce the effects of strenuous exertion and support soldiers’ overall health.“We are thrilled to receive this award from DARPA and to bring together a world-class team to work on this groundbreaking project,” principal investigator Dr.

Alejandro Chavez, an associate professor of pediatrics, said.“Blood cell engineering is still an emerging field, but our team is committed to exploring this technology and maximizing its potential for transforming human performance.”Researchers plan to use gene-editing techniques to alter red blood cells so they can detect physical exertion and respond by producing proteins that improve oxygen delivery to tissues.Dr.John Carethers—UC San Diego’s vice chancellor for Health Sciences—compared the ambitious undertaking to the type of long-shot research DARPA has become known for funding.The souped-up cells will then be tested and optimized using a bioreactor known as a hollow fiber reactor.“DARPA follows a ‘moon...