science

14806 readers

173 users here now

A community to post scientific articles, news, and civil discussion.

rule #1: be kind

<--- rules currently under construction, see current pinned post.

2024-11-11

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

m3t00@lemmy.world

Joleee@lemmy.world

laverabe@lemmy.world

DeadPand@midwest.social

203

NHS scientists find new blood group solving 50-year mystery (www.bbc.com)

submitted 1 month ago by captainkangaroo@discuss.tchncs.de to c/science@lemmy.world

18 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] blandfordforever@lemm.ee 10 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

These antigens are mainly significant in regards to blood transfusions.

People generally don't create antibodies against antigens that they have on their own cells.

If someone receives blood containing an antigen that isn't present on their own cells, and their body has already created antibodies against this "foregin" antigen, this can cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction (the transfused blood cells will rupture in the recipient), which can be fatal.