Modeling Sickle Cell Bloodflow (VIDEO) Brown University This video is under embargo. Please login to access this video. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Caption Researchers from Brown University used computer models to show how different types of red blood cells interact to cause sickle cell crisis, a painful blockage of blood flow in capillaries. The models showed that sticky SS2 cells (blue) start the process by getting stuck on blood vessel walls. Rigid, crescent-shaped cells (red) that are the hallmark of the disease then get stuck behind the SS2 cells. This is the first time a biophysical mechanism behind sickle cell disease has been identified. Credit Karniadakis Lab / Brown University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed 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.