Definiton
The term Sickle cell disease (SCD) describes a group of inherited blood disorders. People with SCD have abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S (for sickle), that they have in their blood cells.
Sickle cells are shaped like half moons and clog up arteries, veins, and capillaries in the human body.
History
In 1910, Herrick discovered and described a disease that caused blood cells to turn to a half moon shape.
The hereditary nature of the disease was finally discorvered and demonstrated in 1949 by dr. James V. Neel.
Effects on Humanity
SCD is not a contagious disease. It is a hereditary anemia and can potentially cause death.
The disease is inherited when the offspring receives one sickle cell hemoglobin gene from each parent.
Sickle Cell Anemia is a hereditary disease discovered in the early 1900s. It has only two cures currently, either a bone marrow transplant, or a stem cell transplant. People affected you this disorder have half moon shaped blood cells that catch on to the walls of their veins, capillaries, and arteries and causes the blood to clot and potentially burst the vessel. Scientists are currently working on ways to prevent this disease.