INDEPENDENCE DAY. On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States.
Polycythemia vera is a rare, chronic disorder involving the overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow (myeloproliferation). The overproduction of red blood cells is most dramatic, but the production of white blood cells and platelets are also elevated in most cases.
Scientists believe that it is a defect that is referred to as the JAK2 V617F mutation. More than 95% of the people who are afflicted with polycythemia vera also have this defect. However, researchers have not yet discovered what causes this mutation to take place.