Biomedical engineers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University reported development of an injectable hemostatic microgel to reduce bleeding in infants undergoing surgery. In animal testing described in Science Advances, the hemostatic B-knob-triggered microgels (BK-TriGs) reduced bleeding by at least 50%. The approach aims to address a core clinical limitation: neonatal hemostasis differs from adults, and current protocols often rely on transfusing adult blood products that may increase thrombosis and other risks in neonates. Researchers said BK-TriGs are designed around neonatal-specific clotting mechanisms. If further validated, the work could provide a neonatal-focused alternative intended to reduce exposure to adult transfusions, potentially improving outcomes in surgeries where bleeding risk is high.