One of the greatest risks of blood transfusions is a blood incompatibility reaction. Even a few blood cells of the wrong type can set off a severe agglutination reaction.

There is good news, however, according to a recently published study in the journal Nature Biotechnology. A process has been discovered whereby the A and B antigens can be removed from all blood types, transforming them into type 0. Since type 0 blood has no antigens, it can be safely transfused into any individual with no risk of incompatibility.

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As is the case with everything in this world, this physical development has a spiritual parallel. We see that there is a human tendency to reject types of people that we perceive as being too different from ourselves. People seclude themselves into groups of like-minded people, not venturing out to give to or receive from others. It’s almost as if we are afraid of a severe immune reaction if we mingle with other types or seriously consider what they have to say.

This leads to insulation from different types of people, different ideas, even those that have the potential to enrich our lives. However, in recent times we see how these barriers are falling away. The nations of Europe, which until recent times were at each others’ throats, are now increasingly united and even share a common currency. The borders between countries are likewise falling away.

The world is increasingly becoming one global village. Humanitarian assistance is offered internationally in cases of natural disasters or wars. Nations that in the past would have been conquering and plundering each other are now uniting for common purposes.

This development is part of the process of Redemption, heralded by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who announced that “The time of our Redemption has arrived.” All we need to do is open our eyes and perceive how the world is ready for the revelation of Moshiach, and recognize the signs all around us of the approaching Redemption.

The global unification that we are witnessing is a preparation for a time of absolute unity, when G-d in all his glory will be revealed and we will see how everything in this world is a reflection of His glory. Then, G-d will “transform all the nations to be pure of speech, to call together in the name of G-d, to serve Him as one.”

Prof. Yirmiyahu Branover is chairman of the Center of Magnetohydrodynamic Studies and Training at Ben-Gurion University.