Canadian Blood Services thrilled by UBC’s new technique for making universal blood

“We’ve fortunately been successful in finding one particular class of enzymes that is 30 times more efficient than any other that had been discovered,” he said. “We have now this purified enzyme which we can produce in quantity and ... can covert these A red blood cells to O red blood cells,” he continued.

In his presentation, Withers explained that types A and B blood have different antigens, which are small structures attached to the outside of the blood cells. The gut bacteria he has isolated works to remove and break down these outside structures, making the once-different blood cells into type O, which has no antigens.

Despite the fact that the new method will still have to pass through regulatory hurdles and clinical trials, Devine said she’s confident that Withers’ research will eventually turn into a product that the CBS can use.

Thestar.com (Vancouver), Aug. 21, 2018 - Canadian Blood Services thrilled by UBC’s new technique for making universal blood.

And,

Bigthink.com - Scientists discover how to convert type A and B blood into universal donor type O.

First off, this has not been approved by any agency, nor have clinical trials been done, nor is this available at Walgreens. This news is that, "In theory, they have figured it out."

Bigthink article gives a good over of blood types and antigens. What the scientists discovered was an existing enzyme (found by combing through feces!) that can strip out A-type antigens. Since they already have a method for stripping out B-type antigens, the hope is to combine both to strip out A, B, and AB antigens thus making O-type blood!

The news was announced at the American Chemistry Society in Boston by Univ. of BC researchers.

If this works out then this is great news for every trauma center out there! Way to go Canada, eh?!

Bastards! They stole it from Louisiana.

a reply to: IgnoranceIsntBlisss

Blame Canada!

It will be great when scientists figure out how to actually make blood.

a reply to: TEOTWAWKIAIFF

First it was universal blood.

Then it was universal joints (man!).

Then it will be universal soldiers!

a reply to: chr0naut

LOL!

The question becomes: what happens to all the blood drive vans? And money.

Seems like some organizations spend 75% of money raised to raise more money!

originally posted by: TEOTWAWKIAIFF
a reply to: chr0naut

LOL!

The question becomes: what happens to all the blood drive vans? And money.

Seems like some organizations spend 75% of money raised to raise more money!

I have my tinfoil hat on so tightly, it has become integrated. I am an ATS cyborg and an ideological robot.

a reply to: chr0naut

0 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
0 0 0 1 1 1

a reply to: TEOTWAWKIAIFF

South Park were divine portents of song and amusement!!

a reply to: TEOTWAWKIAIFF

And this is how the zombie apocalypse happens

a reply to: bender151


Yeah, there is nothing about blood transmitted diseases so they will still have to do screening.

But what about all the money spent on advertising, mobile donation vans, people's salaries, etc.??

If all you have to do is grow some bacteria to make an enzyme then scrub blood of antigens then millions of dollars trying to get type-O people to donate becomes meaningless.

Oh, when it comes to blood, vampires. Always the vampires. Then maybe zombies but I associate that with brainz... brainz...