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Map of membrane fluctuations in a normal red blood cell, on average up to 50 nanometers. Measuring these fluctuations over time using spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM), researchers found that the membranes stiffen as they age, which impedes the cell's function. Researchers at the University of Illinois used SLIM to measure the stiffness of the membranes surrounding red blood cells over time and found that although the cells retain their shape and hemoglobin content, the membranes get stiffer, steadily decreasing the cells' functionality.
So while blood may look good on the surface, its functionality is degrading steadily with time. The researchers hope that the SLIM imaging method will be used clinically to monitor stored blood before it is given to patients, since conventional white-light microscopes can be easily adapted for SLIM with a few extra components.Image credit: Gabriel Popescu, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
