Type O Blood Protects Malaria Victims

Scientists may be closer to a malaria cure after learning that type O blood naturally shields victims from harsh forms of the disease. A study published today showed that African malaria victims with type O blood are two-thirds less likely to suffer fatal anemia or unrousable coma, the BBC reports. One scientist admitted that the finding surprised him.

He told the Telegraph, "I found it amazing that no one had looked in detail at the effects of blood group on life-threatening malaria in Africa, where most malaria deaths occur." The researchers found that type O blood cells won't flock to “rosettes”—parasite-encased blood cells—thereby stopping them from blocking blood vessels and oxygen. A cure could prevent up to 2 million deaths by malaria annually worldwide. (More malaria stories.)