Identifying the new blood group system could save thousands of lives around the world.

The research team, led by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) scientists in South Gloucestershire and supported by the University of Bristol, found a blood group called MAL.

They identified the genetic background of the previously known AnWj blood group antigen, which was discovered in 1972 but unknown until now after this world-first test was developed.

  • DrWorm@lemmy.world
    12·
    3 hours ago

    So… I’m a dumbass. What’s the benefit of the antigens or lack thereof? Are there types of diseases that are more prevalent with or without these things?

    The article didn’t really go into any details as to how or why this will result in saving lives. Just that they can test for it.

    • QuarterSwede@lemmy.world
      18·
      2 hours ago

      Give someone blood with antigens when they don’t have antigens and things go badly. Now they can test for non-antigen blood and ensure they give the correct blood and save their life.

    • Flipper@feddit.org
      6·
      2 hours ago

      I’m not sure about this antigen in particular but from the ab0 group 0 (lack of a and b) protects to a certain degree from malaria.

      • xain52 @lemmy.world
        2·
        16 minutes ago

        When i was doing my rotation at a lab i found out about the bombay blood type. Its not a traditioanal blood type. If you gave someone with bombay blood o blood even they would have a reaction.

    • lath@lemmy.world
      41·
      2 hours ago

      Hey there. From one dumbass to another, i believe antigens help protect against mutation of the genetic code.