SMRTR Science & EngineeringSep 16, 2024Wired

Scientists Crack a 50-Year Mystery to Discover a New Set of Blood Groups

SMRTR summary

Scientists have finally identified the MAL gene as responsible for the rare AnWj blood group, after nearly 20 years of research. The team proved this by inserting the gene into AnWj-negative blood cells, which then produced the AnWj antigen. This discovery will make it easier to find compatible blood donors for people with this rare blood type. The research also revealed that babies don't develop the AnWj antigen until they are seven days old, though the reason for this remains unclear.

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