The “+” or “-” following the ABO blood type indicates the presence or absence of a protein on the surface of human red blood cells (RBCs) that is referred to as the “Rh factor” (Rh for Rhesus); however, this protein is not found on the surface of Rhesus monkey RBCs. The human protein was renamed to “D antigen” over fifty years ago, but the original term and its connotations of a factor specifically shared between Rhesus monkeys and some humans have remained in use, despite the inaccuracy. The function of this protein was not immediately apparent, and there is a great deal of speculation on the implications of being Rh-negative versus Rh-positive. These include: nonhuman/extraterrestrial ancestors, associations with physical traits, high IQ,sensitivity to psychic/paranormal phenomena, and disease resistance. The sense that Rh-negative individuals are special persists despite the lack of scientific data. My goal in this article is to address various claims regarding being Rh-negative.
Associations between Rh-Negative Blood Type and physical Traits
Websites discussing the Rh-negative blood type have a general list of “known” associations: blue, green, or hazel eyes; red or reddish hair; low body temperature; low pulse; low (or high) blood pressure; extra rib or vertebrae; vestigial tail; larger than average head/forehead; unexplained body scars; unclonable blood; heightened senses; sensitivity to heat/sunlight; and the ability to disrupt electrical appliances. I have not found any scientific articles that corroborate these “known” associations. As I’ll demonstrate, a founder effect likely played a role in the greater proportion of Rh-negative individuals in European populations, and it is possible this also influenced the prevalence of other traits.