♻ 2024Scientists have identified a new human blood group called MAL, resolving a 50-year-old mystery.

What it means

Researchers have identified the MAL gene as the genetic basis of the AnWj blood group antigen, solving a 50-year-old mystery first noted in 1972. This discovery establishes MAL as a new, rare blood group system, which helps explain why some patients lack the AnWj antigen and can improve transfusion safety.

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

The claim is well-supported: Science Daily is a reputable secondary outlet reporting directly on a peer-reviewed study, likely published in a journal such as *Blood* or *Nature* in 2024. The primary source (the research paper) has been vetted, so the core finding is solid.

How new