The Pentagon has initiated a unique biological experiment aimed at enhancing the physical capabilities of soldiers. The Smart-Red Blood Cells (Smart-RBC) project, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), involves creating modified red blood cells that can monitor the body’s physiological signals and adapt to them.
These “smart” red blood cells would be able to influence blood clotting during an injury, improving a soldier’s chances of survival, and release substances that are involved in various physiological processes. They will be created from stem cells, which will be given new properties while retaining the core functions of regular red blood cells.
The experiment is planned in two 18-month phases. The first phase aims to improve physical endurance and teach the red blood cells to quickly stop bleeding. The second phase will expand their functionality: the modified cells will assist with thermoregulation, help with altitude adaptation, and could be used as universal donor blood in cases of significant blood loss.
DARPA intends to test the “smart red blood cells” in real-world scenarios to assess their effectiveness and safety. This project could be a key step toward creating super soldiers with enhanced physiological capabilities.
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