SCIENCE

Latest Discoveries in Health Science
Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in India
In recent years, India has made strides in addressing sickle cell disease (SCD) through newborn screening initiatives.
A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) brought into light the
effectiveness of early diagnosis and treatment.
The findings suggest that early intervention can drastically reduce mortality rates associated with SCD.
SCD is a serious inherited blood disorder that, if undetected, can lead to severe health complications.
These include infections, anaemia, and strokes in infants.
EMM-Negative Blood Group System
The International Society of Blood Transfusion officially recognised a new blood group system named EMM-negative, also known as Gwada negative.
This designation emerged from the unique case of a woman from Guadeloupe who is the only known individual to possess this rare blood type.
The discovery puts stress on advancements in transfusion medicine and genetic research.
Gwada negative refers to the EMM-negative blood group system, identified by the absence of the EMM antigen on red blood cells.
This antigen is a high-incidence antigen, present in almost all humans.
The lack of such a common antigen is medically and has led to the classification of this blood type as the 48th globally recognised system in transfusion science.