Sand saves lives
Sachets of sand-like material called QuikClot are carried by every US marine and navy soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan. When poured into a bleeding wound, it accelerates clotting by more than 80%, dramatically increasing the likelihood of survival.Now you know what to do if you live in a war zone. The trouble with using the local stuff would have to be the millions of nasties/ goodies that come with real soil. from NEW SCIENTIST this week