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Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that occurs in 1 in every 375 African Americans. There is currently no cure for this life-shortening disease. These five video tracks will help you to understand exactly what sickle cell disease is and answer many of the questions surrounding it. They'll also explain its hereditary nature in people of African descent. This material forms part of The Open University course SK195 Human genetics and health issues.
Track 4: Slave ships and sickle cells
Take a look at some myths surrounding the disease, and discover how genetics can explain the mysteries. Dr Anthony Allison also discusses research he conducted in Africa in 1951.
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Tracks in this podcast:
| Track | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sickle cell disease: a lethal advantage | An introduction to the album, Sickle cell disease: a lethal advantage. Play now Sickle cell disease: a lethal advantage |
| 2 | The history of the sickle-shaped cell | Starting with the first diagnosis, we trace the history of sickle cell disease. We also visit the world of statistics to discover how many children are born with the illness. Play now The history of the sickle-shaped cell |
| 3 | Sickle cell and the gene | What is sickle cell disease? And if it cannot be caught or contracted, who is at risk and what are their chances of inheriting it? Play now Sickle cell and the gene |
| 4 | Slave ships and sickle cells | Take a look at some myths surrounding the disease, and discover how genetics can explain the mysteries. Dr Anthony Allison also discusses research he conducted in Africa in 1951. Play now Slave ships and sickle cells |
| 5 | Sickle cells and societies | Over the past 30 years there has been a great advancement in how sickle cell disease is treated and managed. Go behind the scenes of The Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, one of ten specialist units in the United States dealing with sickle cell research and treatment. Play now Sickle cells and societies |
| 6 | Transmitting genetic insights | Many people have never heard of sickle cell disease. In this final track we examine how different media are being used to highlight the true nature of this disease. Play now Transmitting genetic insights |
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