New blood group

A fascinating topic!

In 2020, a new blood group was discovered by a team of scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The new blood group is called "Rh36" and it is the first new blood group to be identified in over 60 years.

Here are some interesting facts about the new blood group:

  1. Discovery: The discovery was made by analyzing the DNA of over 30,000 individuals from around the world. The researchers used a technique called genotyping to identify the genetic variations associated with the new blood group.
  2. Frequency: The Rh36 blood group is relatively rare, occurring in about 1 in 100 people worldwide.
  3. Antigens: The Rh36 blood group has two antigens, called Rh36a and Rh36b, which are different from the antigens found in the ABO blood group system (A, B, AB, and O).
  4. Compatibility: The Rh36 blood group is not compatible with the ABO blood group system, meaning that individuals with Rh36 blood cannot receive blood from individuals with ABO blood types.
  5. Clinical significance: The discovery of the new blood group has significant implications for blood transfusion medicine. It means that blood banks will need to test for the Rh36 blood group in addition to the ABO blood group system to ensure safe blood transfusions.
  6. Evolutionary significance: The discovery of the new blood group provides insights into the evolution of the human immune system and the development of blood groups.

The discovery of the new blood group is a significant breakthrough in the field of transfusion medicine and highlights the importance of continued research in this area.

Here's a fun fact: The new blood group was named "Rh36" because it was the 36th blood group to be identified since the discovery of the ABO blood group system in the early 20th century.