Andes 2 (IMAGE) University of California - San Diego Caption UC San Diego Researchers found that a gene variant in some Andean people is associated with reduced red blood cell count at high altitude, enabling them to safely live high in the mountains in low-oxygen conditions. The results could help scientists improve precision medicine for sleep apnea and pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Credit Elysia Cook McDermott Usage Restrictions Use photo credit License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.