World's Rarest Blood Type 'Golden' Could Revolutionize Transfusions
Only a handful of people on the planet have the ultra-rare blood type known as Rh-null, which has earned it the nickname "golden blood." This rare variant lacks all three main ABO and Rh antigens found in other blood types, making it extremely valuable for transfusions.
The American Red Cross considers a blood type rare when it occurs in fewer than 1 in 1,000 people. At around 1 in 6 million, Rh-null takes the top spot as the rarest of them all. To understand why it's so extraordinary, one must first grasp how blood types are classified.
Blood types are determined by antigens - proteins and sugars on red blood cells that signal to the immune system what blood belongs in the body and what doesn't. The two systems most likely to trigger an immune response are ABO and Rhesus (Rh), which together determine one of eight main blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ or O-.
When a person receives transfused blood containing different antigens, their body produces antibodies that can lead to life-threatening reactions. For instance, people with Rh-null blood have no rhD antigen, meaning even a transfusion with O-negative blood can trigger an immune response.
Given its rarity and potential benefits, scientists are racing to grow this elusive blood type in the lab. A breakthrough that could revolutionize blood transfusions worldwide, researchers hope to increase the supply of this golden blood for patients who desperately need it.
Lab-grown Rh-null was first created using the gene-editing technique CRISPR-Cas9 in 2018. However, due to the technology's controversy and strict regulations, widespread use is still years away. Researchers are currently testing lab-grown red blood cells developed from donor stem cells when transfused into humans.
The quest for this golden blood has sparked excitement among scientists. "If we can grow more of it, that would be really exciting," said Dr. Ash Toye, a professor at the University of Bristol. Despite the challenges, researchers remain optimistic about the potential impact on patients with rare Rh blood types who struggle to find compatible donors.
As medical technology advances, the world may one day see an end to this golden blood's scarcity, making it more accessible for those in need.
Only a handful of people on the planet have the ultra-rare blood type known as Rh-null, which has earned it the nickname "golden blood." This rare variant lacks all three main ABO and Rh antigens found in other blood types, making it extremely valuable for transfusions.
The American Red Cross considers a blood type rare when it occurs in fewer than 1 in 1,000 people. At around 1 in 6 million, Rh-null takes the top spot as the rarest of them all. To understand why it's so extraordinary, one must first grasp how blood types are classified.
Blood types are determined by antigens - proteins and sugars on red blood cells that signal to the immune system what blood belongs in the body and what doesn't. The two systems most likely to trigger an immune response are ABO and Rhesus (Rh), which together determine one of eight main blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ or O-.
When a person receives transfused blood containing different antigens, their body produces antibodies that can lead to life-threatening reactions. For instance, people with Rh-null blood have no rhD antigen, meaning even a transfusion with O-negative blood can trigger an immune response.
Given its rarity and potential benefits, scientists are racing to grow this elusive blood type in the lab. A breakthrough that could revolutionize blood transfusions worldwide, researchers hope to increase the supply of this golden blood for patients who desperately need it.
Lab-grown Rh-null was first created using the gene-editing technique CRISPR-Cas9 in 2018. However, due to the technology's controversy and strict regulations, widespread use is still years away. Researchers are currently testing lab-grown red blood cells developed from donor stem cells when transfused into humans.
The quest for this golden blood has sparked excitement among scientists. "If we can grow more of it, that would be really exciting," said Dr. Ash Toye, a professor at the University of Bristol. Despite the challenges, researchers remain optimistic about the potential impact on patients with rare Rh blood types who struggle to find compatible donors.
As medical technology advances, the world may one day see an end to this golden blood's scarcity, making it more accessible for those in need.
and I was thinking, have you ever noticed how the sunlight filters through the trees in a way that makes everything feel so alive? It's like the whole forest is breathing. I swear, it's like the trees are trying to tell us something about the interconnectedness of life... anyway, back to this golden blood stuff... if they can figure out how to mass-produce it, that would be insane!
I'm all for innovation that saves lives 
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it still got like 1 in 6 million people on earth who have it which is pretty crazy but i guess its a step in the right direction 
but its gonna take some time and probably tons of money 
It's like they're searching for a needle in a haystack! And the thought of lab-grown Rh-null could really change that 
, making it easier for them to get the transfusions they need. It's amazing how far medical tech has come and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll see more breakthroughs like this soon 
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. Okay, maybe not, but still - this is some cool stuff! 
I mean, can you even imagine having a blood type that's like super rare and valuable? It's crazy how scientists are trying to grow this stuff in labs now. I think it's gonna be huge if they can make it work. Transfusions could get way easier for people with this blood type, which is a game-changer. They're already getting close with lab-grown cells, so fingers crossed! 
and its gonna change lives fam! they r using lab-grown tech now and its still early days but imagine havin a spare unit of ur own blood 4 emergency transfusions lol its wild. plus its not just 1 person thats affected, ppl w/ super rare blood types r stuck searchin 4 donors all the time so this could b a game changer