Blood is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Society of Hematology. Founded by William Damashek in 1946, the journal changed from semimonthly (24 times annually) to weekly publication at the start of 2009. The journal publishes clinical and basic scientific research in all areas of hematology. It is the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field.[citation needed] It provides an international forum for the publication of original articles describing basic laboratory, translational, and clinical investigations in hematology. The journal covers all aspects of hematology, including disorders of leukocytes, both benign and malignant, erythrocytes, platelets, hemostatic mechanisms, vascular biology, immunology, and hematologic oncology. Registration not required.