There are more blood groups than you know............Not just A, B, AB or O.

Recent discovery of two new blood proteins by researchers at University of Vermont, have totaled the number of known blood groups to 32. Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of a certain protein or group of proteins (called antigens) on the surface of the red blood cells of an individual. So with the discovery of the two new proteins 'junior' and 'Langereis', new blood groups namely junior positive or junior negative and like wise have come into existence. These are more common in Japanese population. What is the importance of this discovery or what actually is the importance of knowing the blood group of any individual. Its significant for blood transfusions or pregnancy compatibility. The proteins or  antigens present on one's own blood cells may  trigger production of counter acting proteins called antibodies when transfused into someone else who naturally did not have these antigens. This may result in clump formation and eventual death. Nobel Laureate Karl Landsteiner was the one who first discovered the existence of different blood groups 1901. I wonder how we managed blood transfusions then and the Japanese until now.