Current Affairs - Science

Scientists from France’s national blood agency, Établissement Français du Sang (EFS), discovered a completely new blood group system named EMM-negative. This new type has been officially recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). The discovery was made after identifying the rare blood type in a woman from Guadeloupe, leading to the colloquial name “Gwada negative.” This marks a significant advancement in haematology and could have important implications for blood transfusions and compatibility testing in the future.

AIIMS Mangalagiri organized an awareness rally on June 19, 2025, in Andhra Pradesh to observe World Sickle Cell Day. The event was held in collaboration with the Departments of Health, Family Welfare, and Tribal Welfare. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, particularly in tribal communities where the prevalence is higher. Key officials and community members participated in the event, emphasizing a unified commitment toward eliminating the genetic disorder by 2047 under India’s National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission. AIIMS Mangalagiri’s active engagement demonstrates its pivotal role in public health education and tribal outreach.

The parasitic wasp species 'Losgna Occidentalis' was discovered in Chandigarh, highlighting the region's unexplored biodiversity. Belonging to the Ichneumonidae family (Darwin wasps), these insects play a crucial role in biological pest control by laying eggs in or on other arthropods. This discovery underscores the importance of further research into India's diverse ecosystems, as many species remain undocumented. Chandigarh's urban and semi-urban habitats may host more such unique species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts even in developed areas to maintain ecological balance and natural pest management systems.

TR1 cells, or Type-1 Regulatory T-cells, have been found to play a crucial role in regulating the immune system, particularly in the context of malaria. These cells help control and balance immune responses, reducing inflammation and preventing excessive immune reactions. In malaria, TR1 cells promote immune tolerance, allowing coexistence with the parasite and developing clinical immunity that prevents severe illness. This discovery can help make better malaria vaccines and boost long-term protection. TR1 cells act as peacekeepers, moderating the immune response to protect the body.

The world’s first in-human bladder transplant was successfully performed in the United States by a team of surgeons from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC). This groundbreaking surgery was carried out in Southern California on a 41-year-old male patient who had lost bladder function following treatment for a rare form of bladder cancer. The successful procedure marks a major milestone in regenerative medicine and offers new hope for patients suffering from severe bladder conditions, potentially revolutionizing how such cases are treated globally.