/oss/taxonomy/term/2431/all en /oss/article/did-you-know/sickle-cell-anemia <p>Sickle cell anemia is a recessive genetic disorder in which the body’s red blood cells assume an abnormal crescent shape inhibiting their ability to carry oxygen effectively. Natural selection continuously favours individuals that are better fitted to their environment; so it would make sense that the less favoured sickle cell gene should slowly disappear. However, in tropical regions where malaria is widespread, sickle cell anemia is still common, affecting 1-2% of the population.</p> Tue, 23 May 2017 17:54:17 +0000 emily.shore@mcgill.ca 2485 at /oss