Jülich, 12 March 2019 – Scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich have developed a new method for measuring the elasticity of red blood cells. This elasticity – along with many other cell properties – is considered an important biomarker. Various diseases such as sickle-cell anaemia, malaria, or diabetes are associated with an increasing rigidity of red blood cells. This rigidity is an indicator of the presence and progression of the disease. The disc-shaped red blood cells are usually very flexible and change their shape frequently. This permits them to penetrate even the smallest blood vessels in order to provide oxygen.