Formation of Vortices (IMAGE) Saarland University Caption Plasma influences the formation of vortices in blood. In one experiment, the researchers let blood plasma flow through a microfluidic channel such as is found in a constricted blood vessel. They observed vortices at the end of the channel, but also -- as shown in these images -- at the entrance to the channel. These vortices are created because of the viscoelastic properties of blood plasma. Credit Mathias Brust, <i>Phys. Rev. Lett.</i> 110, 2013, 078305. Copyright (2013) by the American Physical Society Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.