Researchers at the University of British Columbia believe they have figured out how to convert all blood types to the nearly universal Type O-negative. The breathtaking news seems to herald a world in which shortages of blood would be almost non-existent. Much research remains but the scientists say their discovery holds this enormous promise. There are four blood types — A, B, AB and O. Right now, A and B recipients must receive exactly the same type they have. This is clearly a problem in emergency settings when the universal type runs short. Time is consumed testing the patient’s type in order to save his life. Types A, B and AB blood contain antigens. If the wrong blood is given, the recipient’s immune system will attack the new blood cells. The UBC technique removes antigens leaving immume systems benign to the blood.
