New Google Doodle Honors Karl Landsteiner, Discoverer of Blood Groups

Karl Landsteiner, the subject of Tuesday’s Google Doodle, may not be a household name, but his work helps save millions of lives every day.

The Austrian-American biologist, in 1901, discovered the four blood types — A, B, AB and O — leading to the first-ever blood transfusion six years later.

Landsteiner also collaborated with scientist Erwin Popper to lay the foundation that led to the discovery of the poliovirus, thus enabling the treatment of a disease that afflicted millions of children.

“On what would be his 148th birthday, we thank you, Karl Landsteiner, for helping us lead longer, healthier lives,” Google said in a statement.