Summary of the year 2018
As we enter into the year 2019, we expect more scientific
questions to be answered; we expect the humankind to progress by discovering
unusual scientific phenomena and we expect to provide solutions to the problems
through science. However, we all can gather new knowledge by developing from
our previous knowledge. 2018 has been a year where new knowledge was available
in the field of genetics. This blog is all about 2018 at a glance for genetics.
One such landmark event is the discovery of a human RNA
which activates innate immunity when attacked by a virus. Research published in
the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals an RNA molecule which plays an
important role in the defense against the virus. This RNA is known as the
nc886. “Nc” means noncoding, therefore, this RNA never codes proteins.
Nevertheless, it activates the chain of events that destroys viruses. This
research can be important to study the human immune system.
Along with the research in the human immune system, a study
issued in the journal Cell reported the role of viruses in shaping human
evolution. Prior to this research, many believed that the ancestors of the
human beings, Neanderthals, moved out of Africa to Eurasia and they adapted to
the geographic area. However, this new study delineates a new possibility where
the Neanderthals adapted mutations which were beneficial against the pathogens
and these mutations were inherited by the humans. This research provides us
with an insight that the genes inherit adaptations that are advantageous to us.
Moreover, the researchers at the Okinawa Institute of
Science and Technology Graduate University have reported a specific
transcription factor which changes gene expression, thus, playing a significant
role in maintaining the immune system in the mice. The researchers discovered a
factor also known as the JunB which stimulates the cells to activate the
immunosuppressive function. This can provide us with an understanding of the
development of autoimmune disease and cancer immunosuppression. Researcher,
Koizumi, declared that this perception of these immune responses in various
tissues can help in the treatment of a range of cancers and autoimmune-related
diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
With these researches in the year 2018, the researchers also
discovered why Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks is in a profitable business. Because
they studied a gene which is a reason behind why we like coffee so much. They
found out that some people have inherited bitter taste genes. These genes
stimulate a positive response from the brain causing them to drink more coffee.
The scientists want to determine the health implications of this bitter taste
genes.
Moreover, the biggest breakthrough news in genetics was the
world’s first genetically edited babies in China. However, this is a
controversial question. But it is significant as many people realized the
importance of CRISPR technology. CRISPR/CAS9 is a gene found in the bacteria
which is known for cutting the default gene. When bacterias are infected with a
virus, they use this gene to “cut” the DNA of a harmful virus. This gene is
used to delete the mutated1 gene and add the
donor gene. The mutated gene is cut by the “scissors” or CAS9 and the donor
gene fills the void in the DNA.
The other research is my personal favorite as it is
regarding the mitochondria: the energy bank of our body! In my biology class, I
was taught that the mitochondria were inherited exclusively from our mothers.
After this research done by the mitochondrial disease researcher at the Mayo Clinic
at Jacksonville, FLA, it is revealed that the mitochondria are also passed by
the fathers. Nevertheless, this claim is still being researched and we will
soon understand the details. Isn’t it exciting???!!!
This year has been impressive as many kinds of research
have presented us with new information. And it will be interesting to see how
this research provides us with a new understanding of genes.
1= Mutation
Works Cited:
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