Genomics
There are between 20,000 and 25,000 genes in the human genome. With progress in genetic science, and an increasing understanding of these factors, new treatments for people with illnesses and disease are certain to emerge.
The well-respected geneticist Jacob Bronowski once referred to the universe as "the edge of uncertainty", and researchers are starting to discover that our conscious and unconscious actions have an effect on the universe. In short, our lives have a purpose since our thoughts are a projection of information that is held at the edge of the universe.
Before you start to highly of yourself, keep in mind that the field of genetics is also showing us that we're not necessarily at the height of creation. We only know of a handful of genes that are unique to humans. A liberal estimate places the genes that are unique to humans at less than 20. That's out of 20,000 genes that make up each human.
Genetic testing can be performed for a variety of reasons, and the advances in genetics have the potential to change the way physicians diagnose and treat major illnesses. Scientists haven't yet reached the point where they can repair defective genes, but it's certainly possible to determine whether certain genes will be passed on. While genetic testing is still in its earliest stages, there are several promising developments in genetic science.
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Nurture Scores a Point against Nature
The old debate about whether our behavior is inherent in our genes or a result of our environment just got more complicated. Genetic science has provided evidence that it's possible our lifestyle can actually change our genes. Environment, diet, and circumstances can turn certain genes on and off. A traumatic event could very well turn on a switch that makes your body behave in an uncharacteristic way. This kind of research is doing wonders in cancer treatment research as scientists look to turn off dangerous cells through lifestyle and environment changes.
Mutations in Kids with Cancer
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reported that more than eight percent of children with cancer have genetic mutations that run in their families. This will invariably lead to better methods of treating and detecting cancer early and will work to save lives.
Friends Really Are Like Family
Researchers at University of California San Diego and Yale University have discovered that friends share 0.1 percent more DNA than they do with strangers. To put this in perspective, that's the equivalent of the amount of DNA you might share with your fourth cousin.
Gene Assembly Sub-Pipelines
More genetic advancements are coming into the realm of technology and the modern field of synthetic biology as well. Laboratories like Hudson Robotics have succeeded in automating the process of gene assembly. This means they can create functioning genes and complete genomes. One example is in the creation of viruses. In short, they can take several short DNA sequences and put them together to create the original chromosomes that the DNA originated from.As genetic science improves, there will be better treatments for people with illnesses and disease. Scientists will be able to detect potential issues early on, and provide treatment before cancer begins to take hold. This should improve life expectancy and even prevent certain diseases.
| By Brooke Chaplan | Embed |
Author Bio - 33rd Square contributor Brooke Chaplan is recent graduate of New Mexico University where she studied journalism. She loves to hike, bike, run and explore around her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She also enjoys blogging about health, fitness, fashion and many other topics.
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