Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have discovered a gut bacterium that may transform blood transfusions across the globe. The bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, found naturally in the human gut, secretes enzymes that can convert blood types A, B, and AB to type O—the universal donor type. The discovery, reported in Nature Microbiology, may substantially resolve global blood shortages and enhance transfusion success in critical care situations.

Compatibility in blood groups is crucial in transfusions. Red blood cells of ours have antigens—specific sugar-protein molecules—on their surface. These antigens define our blood type (A, B, AB, or O). O blood cells don't have A and B antigens, and therefore, these are compatible for patients with A+, B+, AB+, or O+ blood. This is why type O, particularly O-negative, is the most sought-after blood group in emergency and trauma centers across the world.

However, blood donations usually don't meet the required demand. This is a serious problem because, while more than 117 million pints of blood are donated every year globally, still, there are mismatched types in both planned and emergency operations. If there were a safe and scalable way of converting A, B, and AB blood into O, healthcare systems would be revolutionized and thousands of lives could be saved.

The secret to this change is in the enzymes secreted by Akkermansia muciniphila. These enzymes hydrolyze mucin, a glycoprotein rich in sugar that lines and protects the gut. Interestingly, the structure of mucin is similar to the sugar chains present in blood group antigens.

Working with donor samples, UBC scientists extracted a particular pair of enzymes from the gut flora of an AB+ donor. These enzymes effectively broke down A and B antigens on red blood cells, essentially turning them into type O universal donor cells. The researchers even went on to work with a complete unit of A-type blood using this technology—a milestone never reached before using this level of efficiency and safety.

A key component of this finding was cracking the code for the structure of the new enzyme by using crystallography. The researchers collaborated with the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan to see the structure of the enzyme, which enabled them to know why it had such high affinity for A antigens and why it was more efficient and quicker than other enzymes utilized in similar endeavors before.

The enzymes performed impressively well, even on the recently-discovered longer A and B blood group variants—a feat that earlier conversion methods faltered at. Interestingly, the conversion of blood type B was more straightforward than that of type A, though both could be successfully treated under room temperature conditions in only 30 minutes, and without chemicals—a quantum leap in rendering the process viable for the clinic.

What is ECO Blood?

The scientists refer to the transformed samples as "enzyme-converted to O" or ECO blood. It takes only around 8 grams of the enzyme to convert 200ml of blood, indicating the process can be scaled up for practical medical application. In contrast to previous techniques first tried in 2007, which were hampered by efficiency and safety issues, this new technique is faster, cleaner, and more compatible with hospital environments.

ECHO blood is a term for echocardiography, a non-invasive medical imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart in real-time. The imaging method enables physicians to evaluate the functioning of the heart by viewing its size, shape, pumping capability, and blood flow through the heart's chambers and valves. Echocardiography is important for diagnosing heart disease, heart health monitoring, and making decisions about treatment without surgery or the use of radiation.

These results are timely, as over half the population in nations such as Canada will require blood or have someone who does during their lifetime. Furthermore, shortages of blood are a worldwide problem, frequently compounded by emergencies, natural disasters, and pandemics that disrupt donation cycles. If effective in human trials and cleared for clinical use, this enzyme technology may become a pillar of contemporary transfusion medicine.

Although the discovery is a breakthrough, the scientists are being cautious. Although the type B blood conversion has been done effectively, further work is required to convert type A blood reliably and safely in all subtypes. Future research will aim to optimize these enzymatic reactions and scale up the process for clinical trials.

Lead researcher Dr. Stephen Withers pointed out the clinical significance, "Our conversion of RBCs was particularly conducted at the maximum red blood cell concentration, minimum assay time, and minimum temperature compared to existing literature. The conditions are important in terms of keeping it mild enough for use clinically.

This breakthrough illustrates the enormous potential of microbiome research to address some of medicine's most enduring challenges. By tapping into the untapped potential of gut bacteria, scientists could soon be eradicating blood type barriers—opening up a future in which safe, universal blood transfusions are no longer confined by compatibility.

How It Works?

Blood type is assigned by particular antigens—carbohydrate-based molecules—found on the surface of red blood cells. Type A people have A antigens, type B people have B antigens, and AB people have both. Type O people lack both A and B antigens, so their red blood cells are compatible for transfusion across the board, particularly in crisis situations when matching bloods might not be immediately on hand.

The enzymes from A. muciniphila effectively "shave off" the A and B antigens from red blood cells, reducing them to a neutral, antigen-free state—Type O. In the laboratory, scientists successfully treated Type A red blood cells with this enzymatic cocktail, stripping away the antigens effectively and within a relatively short time period of 30 minutes at room temperature. They also achieved similar results with Type B blood, and even with extended variants of A and B groups recently discovered.

Practically, around 8 grams of this enzyme blend can be used to convert 200 milliliters of A or B blood into "enzyme-converted to O" (ECO) blood. This conversion was achieved at high red blood cell concentration, under mild and additive-free conditions, which are best for clinical feasibility and safety of the patient.

How Does This Breakthrough Affect Healthcare?

The capacity to transform types A and B of blood into universal donor type O is a giant step in the history of transfusion medicine. Blood transfusions are salvage operations employed during surgery, traumatic injury, cancer therapy, and chronic disease, but they are reliant on blood group compatibility to prevent potentially lethal immune reactions. The major hindrance in emergency care and blood bankation is the scarcity of type O blood, which is the universal donor for Rhesus (Rh) factor positive individuals—representing close to 75% of the world's population.

Through the use of gut-derived enzymes from Akkermansia muciniphila to remove antigens from A and B red blood cells, scientists have created a new avenue for increasing the availability of universal blood. This could mean hospitals need to use donors and recipients less often based on matching by blood type, a process that all too frequently causes delay in such procedures, particularly in emergencies. It also would mean that short supplies or unusual blood types might be reduced through converting more typically available types into type O.

At a wider health care level, this innovation has the potential to ease the global shortage of blood donors, improve blood bank inventory management, and provide greater availability of blood in rural or under-resourced areas where certain types are difficult to obtain.

September is globally recognized as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, with September 9 dedicated to International FASD Awareness Day. This year, 2025, carries the powerful theme “Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!”, a reminder that preventing FASD and supporting those affected is a collective responsibility.

What is FASD and Why It Matters

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes the lifelong effects on the brain and body of a baby exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. It can lead to physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges that persist throughout life. The most severe form, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), is characterized by distinct facial features, slow growth, learning difficulties, and developmental delays.

FASD Theme 2025

This year’s theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!”, is a call to collective responsibility. It highlights that FASD prevention is not just about individual choices but also about community support, healthcare education, and creating safe environments for expectant mothers.

Health professionals are encouraged to screen for alcohol use early in pregnancy, families are urged to provide support to those struggling with alcohol dependence, and policymakers are called upon to ensure inclusive systems for people with FASD. The message is simple yet powerful: prevention and support require all of us.

Experts emphasize that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Alcohol passes through the placenta to the developing baby, where it can cause permanent brain damage and affect organ development.

Also Read: What Role Do Genes Play In Alcoholism?

Symptoms vary, some children may face intellectual disabilities, behavioral issues, or difficulty with learning and social interaction. Others may experience challenges with coordination, speech, and growth.

The disorder is entirely preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. However, for those already living with FASD, early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

How FASD Awareness Day Began

International FASD Awareness Day was first observed on September 9, 1999, thanks to the efforts of parents and advocates like Bonnie Buxton, Brian Philcox, and Teresa Kellerman. They chose 9/9/99 to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy, a clear reminder that avoiding alcohol throughout those months can prevent FASD entirely.

What started as a grassroots effort in Canada and the United States has grown into a global movement. Communities worldwide now hold events, educational workshops, and social media campaigns each September to raise awareness, combat stigma, and advocate for better support systems.

Why This Day Matters

FASD Awareness Day is more than an observance, it is a global reminder that thousands of children are still born each year with preventable conditions linked to alcohol exposure. Beyond prevention, the day pushes for better understanding and empathy toward individuals already living with FASD. Stigma often keeps families from seeking help, and awareness campaigns aim to break that silence.

As the world observes FASD Day 2025, the message is clear: by spreading awareness, encouraging alcohol-free pregnancies, and supporting those affected, society can take a step closer to ending preventable harm and building inclusive communities where individuals with FASD can thrive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report could be declaring the kissing bug disease or the Chagas disease an endemic in the United States.

But, before we jump into the report, let us understand the difference between an outbreak, endemic, epidemic, and pandemic.

Outbreak: As per the National Collaborating Centers for Infectious Disease, Canada, an outbreak is limited to a specific area, for instance a school, a department store, etc. and it is within a certain time period.

Endemic: The CDC notes that the amount of a particular disease that is usually present in a community is called an endemic. It is also called a baseline. The National Collaborating Centers for Infectious Disease says that an endemic is when it is always present in a geographical area or a population group.

Epidemic: The CDC notes that an outbreak becomes are epidemic when there is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in a specific area. It can also spread to a larger area, for instance, within the country.

Pandemic: The CDC notes that when an epidemic spreads over several countries and continents, affecting many people, it is called a pandemic.

What Does The CDC Report Say?

In a report published last month in the September issue of the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, researchers highlighted that the disease is already considered endemic in 21 countries across the Americas. They also emphasized that growing evidence of the parasite’s presence in the United States is beginning to challenge the long-standing classification of the country as “non-endemic.”

The report stated that autochthonous, meaning locally acquired, human cases have been confirmed in eight U.S. states, with Texas reporting the highest number of cases. “Labeling the United States as non-Chagas disease-endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting,” the authors warned, further pointing out that the insect responsible for transmitting the disease has been detected in 32 states.

In addition to Texas, the other states where human cases have been identified include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

The report points out that available data is still “inadequate” to conclusively demonstrate whether the insects are expanding in either their geographic range or overall numbers. However, it also highlights that these bugs are being “increasingly recognized,” largely because of their frequent encounters with humans and the growing focus of scientific research.

“Invasion into homes, human bites, subsequent allergic reactions or exposure to T. cruzi parasites, and the rising number of canine diagnoses have all contributed to greater public awareness,” the report stated.

Read: What You Need To Know About Chagas Disease, Is it Contagious?

What Is The Kissing Bug Disease or The Chagas Disease?

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite transmitted by triatomine insects, commonly known as “kissing bugs.” These insects get their nickname because they often bite people on the face, especially while they are sleeping.

Globally, around 8 million people are estimated to be living with Chagas disease, and about 280,000 cases are believed to exist in the United States, many of them undiagnosed.

Transmission occurs when the bug bites and then leaves parasite-containing droppings near the bite site. If a person accidentally rubs or scratches the area, or if the droppings come into contact with the eyes, mouth, or a cut in the skin, the parasite can enter the body and cause infection.

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, often leaving survivors with long-term challenges in movement, memory, and speech. Traditional rehabilitation can alleviate symptoms, but progress is slow and limited for most patients. Researchers are now investigating a game-changer, a pill that could stimulate the brain to regenerate itself. Early studies indicate that approved drugs for other diseases can be repurposed to stimulate sleeping repair processes, providing a new avenue for recovery that previously was not possible. Successful use of this method could reframe the way physicians treat stroke victims and transform the future of neurorehabilitation.

For years, doctors and scientists knew that if damaged, the brain had little to no regeneration capacity. Stroke victims and head injury patients were too often doomed to a lifetime struggle with dysfunctional movement, memory loss, or difficulty speaking. Today, new research contradicts the long-standing principle. A pill in development may activate the brain's ability to heal itself, giving hope to millions of people around the globe.

Strokes, which happen as a result of interrupted blood flow to areas of the brain, continue to be among the major causes of long-term disability. Brain cells are killed through the resulting damage, and survivors are left with physical and mental difficulties that are notoriously hard to reverse. Conventional rehabilitation involves physical therapy and changes in lifestyle, but gains are slow and partial.

"Previously, the medical community believed that adult brains were incapable of producing new neurons after severe damage," describe neurologists who are knowledgeable about the study. "This pill contradicts that by stimulating directly involved pathways to neurogenesis."

The treatment, which comes from adapting already proven drugs like Maraviroc—already approved for other diseases—is aimed at molecular mechanisms thought to induce the birth of new brain cells and fix faulty circuits. If successful, it may significantly lower reliance on resource-intensive rehab programs.

How Does The Stroke Recovery Pill Work?

At the core of this innovation is the capability to "turn on" latent genes that stimulate neural repair. Recent stories in Futurism have reported that researchers, using animal models, have shown that activation of these pathways not only repaired faulty neural connections but also recovered movement and memory.

Initial experiments are exploring whether the same effects are possible in humans. Stroke patients are being treated with controlled quantities of the pill, and scientists monitor changes in brain plasticity, motor function, and cognitive abilities. The potential to restore lost capabilities via medication has generated guarded optimism among scientists.

“The early data is promising, but we’re just beginning to understand the scope of what this drug can achieve,” said one of the study’s lead researchers. “The ultimate goal is to complement or even replace traditional rehabilitation therapies.”

Optimism there is, despite challenges. Converting animal experiments to human triumphs has long been filled with stumbling blocks. Results vary considerably from person to person based on the magnitude of the brain injury and how quickly postinjury care is initiated.

Existing trials, some of which are closely monitored by The New York Times, are intended to test both safety and efficacy. Though Maraviroc has an established record of safety in its current uses, application to brain repair introduces new risks. Overactivating brain function, for instance, may precipitate seizures or other unexpected side effects.

Regulatory agencies such as the FDA are keeping close tabs. Any such breakthrough therapy will need to meet strict safety criteria before becoming widely available. Experts warn that although the prospect of a pill that can restore lost brain function has revolutionary appeal, the only course is thorough testing.

How Does The Pill Impact Brain Healing and Health?

The potential for this research goes far beyond recovery from stroke. Traumatic brain injuries caused by automobile accidents, sports injuries, or war may someday be cured with similar regenerative approaches. Researchers are also investigating whether stimulating neurogenesis could help degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

New Atlas reports indicate that marrying molecular therapies with current medical devices might optimize the recovery. For instance, Stanford researchers developing clot-removing technology envision a future when physical interventions are wedded with drugs that activate the brain's inherent repair function.

The drugs industry is already monitoring the situation. With millions globally suffering from neurological conditions, the potential is huge. However, experts stress that scientific support, rather than commercial motives, should be the driving force behind the development.

For patients, a chance at a pill that will trigger brain regeneration is nothing less than revolutionary. Consider a stroke victim able to walk without a decade of agonizing therapy, or a college athlete recovering from a head injury without enduring deficits.

But whereas the promise is revolutionary, neurologists caution patience. "We're in the beginning stages," said one clinical scientist. "The science is good, the trials have started, but it will take years to be sure if this is the tipping point we all hope it will be."

The economic stakes are equally high. Stroke rehabilitation alone costs billions annually in healthcare expenses. If a pill could accelerate recovery and reduce long-term dependency, it could reshape not only medicine but healthcare systems globally.

The road from bench to bedside is long, but hopefully, it is getting shorter. A placebo-controlled, randomized trial in Canada is ongoing, and the last results are likely to be available in approximately two years. Those results will give more definite answers on whether or not brain regeneration via medication is indeed achievable.