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The BBC reports: Scientists have developed a way of converting one blood group into another. The technique potentially enables blood from groups A, B and AB to be converted into group O negative, which can be safely transplanted into any patient. The method, which makes use of newly discovered enzymes, may help relieve shortages of blood for transfusions. The new technique works by using bacterial enzymes to cut sugar molecules from the surface of red blood cells. After a search of 2,500 fungi and bacteria the researchers discovered two bacteria - Elizabethkingia meningosepticum and Bacterioides fragilis - which contained potentially useful enzymes. They found that enzymes from both bacteria were able to remove both A and B antigens from red blood cells.
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When someone is in need of blood, there sometimes isn’t
enough available. Motor vehicle accidents and major trauma can damage vital
organs, leading to blood loss, and then shock. If blood can be given in a timely
manner, it can give doctors the time they need to perform surgery and correct
internal injuries. However, finding the right blood type to avoid rejection is
a problem, thus patients are given 0- a universal blood type. With more blood available
using this new technique, countless lives may be saved. For those against blood
transfusions (Jehovah Witnesses), they are even working on