Human study · Research · 19 Sept 2026
Scientists solve a 50-year mystery and discover a new human blood group
Source: ScienceDaily
What the research found
Scientists have identified the genetic cause behind the mysterious AnWj blood group antigen, solving a puzzle that began in 1972 and establishing a new blood group system called MAL. The discovery could make it much easier to find extremely rare AnWj-negative patients and donors and protect them from potentially dangerous transfusion reactions.
Evidence level: Human study. A study in people, but an association isn't proof of cause.
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