Explained: CRIB, the world's rarest blood group found in Bengaluru woman
While only a handful of people worldwide are known to have the CRIB blood type, its discovery is medically significant. It plays a crucial role in cases of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN), where antibodies from the mother attack the red blood cells of the fetus. Identifying the CRIB group early in such cases could help prevent life-threatening complications during pregnancy.THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE DISCOVERYThe blood group was first identified in a patient from Gujarat who required a transfusion, but no compatible blood could be found in regular or rare donor registries. Further investigation revealed the presence of a novel antigen profile. Genetic analysis confirmed that this was an entirely new antigen not fitting into the 43 known blood group systems previously recognised by the ISBT.Following further verification and peer review, the CRIB blood group was formally classified and added to the expanding database of human blood group systems.IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA AND THE WORLDIndia, with its genetically diverse population, has already been the site of several rare blood discoveries. The INRA blood group itself was first identified in an Indian woman in 2017. With CRIB now joining the list, there is growing pressure on Indian medical authorities to invest in rare blood banks, expanded donor registries, and genetic screening programs, especially for pregnant women.Globally, the discovery adds another layer to the understanding of human immunohematology. For clinicians, it means adjusting existing transfusion strategies. For researchers, it presents a new area of study related to genetics, population migration, and disease management.WHAT'S NEXT?Researchers are calling for the development of a CRIB-specific antibody panel and screening tests that can help identify carriers early. Efforts are also underway to raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals, particularly in regions with high ethnic diversity.The discovery of the CRIB blood group is a reminder of how much is still unknown about our own biology and how those mysteries can directly impact lives.QUICK FACTS: CRIB BLOOD GROUPFull Form: Chromosome Region Identified as Blood groupCategory: Part of the INRA (Indian Rare Antigen) systemDiscovered in: India, confirmed by international expertsSignificance: Crucial in fetal-maternal blood compatibility and rare transfusionsPrevalence: Fewer than 10 known cases worldwide- Ends
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Similarly, salami slicing further erodes scholarly coherence and intellectual unhealthy practices may increase the overall volume of academic publications, but their impact remains on WestThe poor representation of Indian journals in the top quartile suggests Indian scholars are heavily reliant on foreign publications. However, a 2016 study found these journals often operate with high rejection rates, limited acceptance of region-specific empirical studies, and editorial frameworks that may not fully accommodate perspectives from the Global rejections are particularly common for submissions from India. While editorial selectivity is a necessary component of journal curation, evidence suggests such practices disproportionately affect scholars from developing countries, especially when their work challenges dominant paradigms or employs non-Western theoretical needs a robust indigenous publishing infrastructure that fosters scholarly aptitude. 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Faculty evaluations should include unbiased qualitative assessments of scholarly contributions, and ethical research practices embedded at every stage of the academic career, from doctoral training to tenure in faculty assessment should include consideration of research relevance, methodological innovation, and impact on policy and society. Focus must be on mandatory ethics training, strict anti-plagiarism mechanisms, fostering indigenous and regional scholarship, and encouraging research in regional languages focused on local contexts and indigenous country must invest in its own publishing ecosystem, including editorial training, peer-review reform, funding for journal sustainability, and collaborations with global publishing networks. Developing rigorous peer review standards can enable credible academic contributions towards the development of indigenous knowledge. These initiatives will help Indian academia reclaim the university as a place of critical thought, ethical engagement, and meaningful and inclusive knowledge MR and Viji B are assistant professors, Department of Economics, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), article was first published under Creative Commons by The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH.
