2 weeks Ago
Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us? After 50 years since its first detection, researchers have discovered the genetic background of the AnWj blood group antigen.
Although rare, AnWj-negative phenotypes can have transfusion reactions if supplied with AnWj-positive blood, so researchers discovered how mutation in specific blood cell-regulating gene MAL could create the AnWj-negative antigen marker. This could discovery could help tens of thousands of people around the world while also increasing the known human blood groups to 47. If someone asks you what kind of blood type you are, you'll likely reference the well-known ABO/Rh blood group system (ABO supplies the letters and Rh, or rhesus factor, supplies the plus or minus symbols).
While this system helps medical professionals avoid potentially life-threatening blood transfusion complications, it's not a complete picture of the immense complexity found among blood group types. For example, scientists actually know of 46 blood group systems that have various characteristics and antigens. Now, after more than 50 years of searching, scientists from the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant have uncovered a 47th blood group known.
.. Darren Orf.
