In the News: How to Ask for Blood

Fig.1. This blood sample can contribute to ongoing research, but would you give blood if you knew the type of research to which you might donate? (Credit: G.L. Kohuth). 

This week, we read about a marine murder mystery, live saving blood banks, and new ways to handle collections. Check out these stories and more for #FollowFriday.

• Would you donate blood if you knew what it was being used for? A new survey suggests that knowing about the research uses may prevent people from donating medical samples: “What’s Happening With Your Donated Specimen?” Michigan State University Press (28 January 2015)

• This biobank offers treatment options to patients with heart diseases: “Better Understanding Of Diseases Could Be A Blood Bank Away,” The Star (2 February 2015)

• Museum specimens may be the key to understanding previously inaccessible anatomy: “Baleen Whales Hear Through Their Bones,” San Diego State University press (29 January 2015) 

• This gene bank offers a powerful tool for those interested in marine murder mysteries: “Genetics Lab Unravels Mystery Whale Killing At Sea,” Science Daily (5 February 2015)

• These scientists are taking a lesson from childhood toys in order to safely handle delicate natural history collection specimens: “Lego Contraption Allows Scientists To Safely Handle Insects,” Scientist (5 February 2015)

• This unusual collection object connects an old piece of art to the Carter Center’s 30-year campaign to eradicate the Guinea worm: “A Guinea Worm Hiding In Plain Sight,” AMNH News (29 January 2015)