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Here’s Your Permission to Laugh Instead of Stress
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How a Rescue Dog Is Lifting Spirits at Sea Caregiver Strategies for the Season Slow Cooker Brisket Behind Every Patient Is a Caregiver
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The Caribbean Woman With the World’s Rarest Blood Type
THE ONLY MATCH? HERSELF The World’s Rarest Blood Type
You’ve heard of A, B, AB, and O, but have you heard of Gwada Negative? Odds are you haven’t, and for good reason: It belongs to just one person on the planet. After over a decade of research, scientists in France have officially classified this ultra-rare blood type as the 48th recognized blood group. The discovery started with a seemingly routine blood draw in 2011 from a woman originally from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, affectionately called “Gwada” by locals. What followed was anything but routine. Researchers first spotted a strange antibody in 2011, so they knew it was unusual, but lacked the resources to investigate further. Years later, thanks to advances in DNA sequencing, they finally traced it back to a unique genetic mutation passed down by both of the woman’s parents. The result? A blood type so rare that the woman is only compatible with herself.
Now dubbed Gwada Negative, this new type has captured the attention of scientists worldwide. It’s a medical unicorn, a reminder that plenty of mystery still runs through our veins.
This discovery adds a new branch to the blood type family tree and highlights how critical diversity is in blood research. Who knows? A revolutionary find could be sitting quietly in someone’s bloodstream, waiting to be uncovered during a routine checkup. So, the next time you roll up your sleeves for a blood draw, remember that your body might be more unique than you think!
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