In the United States, February marks the beginning of Black History Month. In this blog post, we’ll focus on a health disparity affecting the Black community in the United States, and the biotechnology advances that are working towards a cure. As defined by the National Institutes of Health, “health disparities are differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States.” It’s not just about race or ethnicity, though these are major components. Factors like disability, socioeconomic status, your education, sexual preference, access to healthcare, and where you live also make a big difference in overall health. Oftentimes, health disparities are discussed in upper level biomedical science or public health courses at universities, or maybe in the news. However, it is important for students to understand the issues that may affect their community, allowing them to develop a full understanding of the compounding factors responsible for their own health and wellness.
One disease that significantly affects the health of Black individuals in America is sickle cell anemia. This genetic condition alters the structure of red blood cells, causing them to adopt a sickle shape rather than their normal round form. Its prevalence is higher among people of African descent. The impact is profound, as the abnormal cells can obstruct blood flow, leading to severe pain episodes and complications that affect various organs. Fatigue and anemia are common, impacting overall well-being. Managing sickle cell disease requires a comprehensive approach, including regular medical check-ups, adherence to prescribed treatments, and lifestyle adjustments. Support from healthcare professionals, along with awareness and understanding within communities, is crucial for addressing the challenges associated with sickle cell disease and promoting the health of Black individuals in the United States. Through the use of case studies and hands on experimentation, students can better understand the role that health disparities play in their lives, and how research and biotechnology can be used to improve health.
Experiments and resources to use:
- HHMI BioInteractive: A genetic treatment for sickle cell disease
- Sickle Cell Anemia: A case study (2007) for teaching high school genetics
- Edvotek Blog Post: In the News: Exa-Cel Gene Therapy, CRISPR, and Sickle Cell Disease
- ASBMB Today: A Road to Survival
- Malaria & Sickle Cell Disease Model
- Simple Blood Model
- Sickle Cell Anemia Electrophoresis Kit (DNA)
- Mystery of the Crooked Cell Electrophoresis (Dye)
- NSTA Magazine: Making sense of Sickle Cell Disease
Looking for more resources? Please check out please check out this piece from ASBMB on Geraldine P. Woods, a Black scientist who worked to establish training programs to expand participation in STEM. In a previous post, we talked about celebrating both historical and modern Black scientists in the classroom year round.
The Official Blog of Edvotek® 