Sickle-Cell Anemia and Levels in Biology, 1910-1966

by Eric Howe

Students examine data on a mystery disease (sickle cell anemia), paralleling historical discoveries that lead to successively revising conceptual interpretations. They address various problems from the perspectives of physiology, histology, genetics, evolution, ecology and molecular biology.

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For further background, see recollections by the physician who linked malaria resistance with the prevalance of the sickle cell condition: Anthony Allison C. 2004. "Two Lessons From the Interface of Genetics and Medicine." Genetics 166: 1591-1599.