December 04, 2003
Genetic Predisposition...to humor!
An Iowa family that took part in research that helped identify a gene linked directly to heart attacks has gone public. ... The research helped doctors identify a gene, called MEF2A, which plays a role in protecting the artery walls from plaque buildup that can impeded blood flow and lead to heart attacks, said Dr. Eric J. Topol of the Cleveland Clinic, head of the research team. A report appeared in last month's issue of the journal Science.
Researchers have also discovered a genetic basis for several other conditions:
The gene coding for shin splints was identified in a study of a girls' soccer team in Hoboken, New Jersey. Sports medicine specialist Dr. Anne R. Crest said the gene, called AYSO3, allows the bones in the leg to absorb more calcium. People with a faulty gene experience pain as the bone is stressed during strenuous activity.
Dr. James P. Colgate, professor of child psychology at the University of Jackson Hole, announced recently that the gene causing children to become disaffected as teenagers has been found. The gene was identified with the help of a small group of children aged 13 to 17 in an isolated town in Wyoming, all of whom were perfectly well-behaved and appreciative of their parents.
Genes causing psychological conditions such as overinflated ego and unchecked pessimism were discovered in a recent study of art theory and philosophy students at the University of Maine in Portland. Dr. Lynne S. Toms of Maine Medical School described the mutated genes, known as L33T-b and M4DR, as being just like the normal versions except for a series of small, regular gaps in the code, as if the genes had been nibbled away by small rodents.
Posted by Andrew Huff at December 4, 2003 02:29 PM
The sweetest gene would be if they found a gene that allowed you to better locate genes. They could call it The Self-Referential Gene.
And at the risk of a bad joke, maybe they could find a gene that causes one to enjoy shallots. Guess what they'd call it? I can't say it. That was terrible.
Not the Gene Shallots! Oh, man. Anyway,
Good evening,
I have decided to Christmas card my blogroll, and this is me delivering yours.
Mery Christmas
