National Center
Latest Stories

b47fa949dcd4c913540f6a706700b424.jpg
In this April 23, 2014 photo, a yellow fever mosquito, or Aedes aegypti, feeds on pig blood in a lab at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill. Scientist Alejandro Rooney is engaged in new research efforts to battle dangerous mosquito varieties such as the Asian Tiger, yellow fever and floodwater species at the Peoria Ag Lab. (AP Photo/Journal Star, David Zalaznik)

20110529-192537-pic-667711149.jpg
Blood "traders" - often from Bulgaria's Gypsy minority who offer a paid blood donor service, wait near the National Center for Hematology and Transfusion in Sofia. (Associated Press)

20110529-192537-pic-342246383.jpg
Blood units are prepared for storage at the National Center for Hematology and Transfusion in Sofia, Bulgaria. It's a grim reality for patients and families the struggling EU nation where donors are troublingly scarce, hospitals are strapped for funds and blood traders are thriving. (Associated Press)