The latest research technology for working with DNA has allowed scientists to prove that genes are not only traits that are inherited. They can react and change due to the influence of external stimuli. And the emotional trauma that leaves a deep imprint on human genes can also be a determining fact for change.
It has been proven that stolen genes evolve several times faster. The latest research of its kind has revealed shocking results that do not bode well for pets and the education system, but allow counting on success during the fight against diseases that were recently considered incurable.
1
Reducing the life expectancy of brown labradors
Labradors are perhaps one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, while individuals of black and yellow color occupy the first two places in terms of prevalence. Brown Labradors are slightly inferior, but still incredibly popular, which can adversely affect their health and even put them on the brink of extinction. The fact is that the brown color is the result of the fusion of two recessive genes, that is, in order to rely on brown droppings, you have to reduce only two brown labradors. This approach leads to the withering of the gene pool.
In the photo: brown labrador puppy
In 2018, UK veterinarians conducted a massive study evaluating the health of labradors of various colors. It showed that brown individuals die before the rest. Non-brown labradors, regardless of color, on average live longer than chocolate relatives for 1 year and 3 months. The average mortality rates of brown labradors are 12 years and 1 month.
And also, the study showed that brown labradors are susceptible to certain diseases. Apparently, the breeding of individuals of this color caused a concentration of the gene with an increased risk for diseases of the ears and skin. These genes can be layered on the common problems of Labradors, for example, craving for overeating. Since a small number of dogs have been investigated, it is likely that the percentage of “problematic” brown labradors is much higher.
2
Autolykiviridae virus
This year, scientists took a sample of water off the coast of Massachusetts for various analyzes. The discovery made it possible to open a new chapter in the description of viruses. A detected family of viruses in water can only be detected using the latest technology.
These viruses belong to the unexplored group of tailless (most known viruses have double-stranded DNA or so-called tails). The worst thing is that the detected virus, which was given the name Autolykiviridae, expands its "influence" in the ocean.
When comparing the DNA of the virus with others in the genebank, scientists found an alarming coincidence. The latest virus devours bacteria, and is found not only in water, but also in the human stomach. What makes the virus inside the human body remains a mystery. Studying the evolution of the virus allows a little reconciliation with Autolykiviridae. It belongs to the oldest viral branch, the protein shell of which does not allow them to infect bacteria.
3
The denial of the existence of smart genes
For a long time, it was believed that gifted people would stand out thanks to their talents, regardless of their financial situation. And also many were convinced that “smart genes” give these people an advantage in the educational process. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that genes are second only to wealth among the benefactors of vital success.
Scientists analyzed the DNA strands, trying to find patterns in the DNA strands, as well as the level of education and success of several thousand people studied. Then a shocking conclusion was made. The wealth of parents, and not their genius, gives the offspring more chances for a successful life in the future. During the experiment, researchers selected people with high genetic potential, finding that among people born in families with low incomes, only 24% were able to graduate. Want to feel the contrast? 63% of those surveyed from wealthy families received this education.
After that, scientists studied rich children with a low gene pool and found: 27% of the total number were able to graduate from universities, which is still more than talented children from low-income families.
Of course, a direct link between genetics and economics cannot be proved, but this study is alarming. Simply put, it allows you to determine the number of talented people who wasted their gift in vain, because many gifted people suck in a swamp of limited financial opportunities.
4
The secret of the blue eyes of the husky is unraveled
In 2018, scientists gained access to a huge database provided by a dog saliva collection company to provide four-legged owners with reports of their pedigree. A huge layer of data was “shoveled”, which helped to learn a lot about dog genetics, in particular, the reason for the blue eyes of Siberian huskies was unraveled. For this, it was necessary to compare more than 6 thousand dogs and 200 thousand genetic markers.
Initially, the data were so scattered that it was impossible to notice any similarities. But soon some dogs began to unite on the 18th chromosome. Similarities were observed in fangs and blue eyes. Scientists have expanded the gene to search for mutations and discovered something interesting. Next to the normal gene, which was responsible for the development of the eyes in mammals, was the so-called ALX4.
He duplicated himself in an incredible way, giving the husky a chilling look. In this case, the mutation discovered by scientists does not cause a similar eye color in humans or other representatives of mammals.
The variety of friends of our smaller dogs is amazing. So, at most-beauty.ru you can see interesting materials about the strongest and rarest dog breeds.
5
DNA catching bacteria
Bacteria are tenacious creatures that do not replace non-native DNA, but get used to it, adapting to a new environment. Scientists have long identified this ability, giving it the name "horizontal gene transfer." Despite the fact that this process has never been witnessed, scientists believe that organisms use the so-called drank to capture stray DNA. The maneuver goes unnoticed only because of the meager size of the drink, which is 0.01% of the thickness of a human hair.
It was possible to catch bacteria red-handed thanks to dyes. In 2018, researchers stained cholera bacteria and DNA particles, after which they began to observe them under a microscope. So, the "attack" of bacteria was first recorded. The luminous bacterium, sensing the presence of DNA, released a drink. Despite the precariousness of the target, the "predator" grabbed it and used it as a snack. Pili filled the bacterium DNA, accelerating the process of its evolution.
The reason that researchers are pushing for the process of studying horizontal gene transfer is because it can help scientists fight bacteria that counteract antibiotics.
6
The mystery of dancing DNA
Functional DNA inside the cell nucleus is called chromatin. By its appearance, it resembles beads on a fishing line. Early research was able to capture chromatin movement, but failed to explain how and why this occurs.
Attempts to find out what happened continued in 2018. Scientists were surprised to find that the movement recorded in the past resembled a choreographic composition. It seemed that the cell nucleus indicates in which direction chromatin should move. To carry out the movement, the “beads” narrow and expand, disturbing the remaining “strings” inside the core by oscillating the liquid. This makes chromatins move in one direction, resembling a waltz at social events.
Why DNA is this migration is still unclear, but scientists believe that this is related to the work of genes, as well as their transformation and duplication.
7
A new form of human DNA
Even people who are not interested in genetics associate it with a double helix image. However, this year, scientists came to the shocking conclusions that human DNA can be twisted into a completely different shape. Unlike the spiral familiar to everyone, the new DNA resembles a complex knot. In the language of scientists, it sounds like i-motif. We already began to guess its existence by conducting tests in the laboratory, but only now we were able to “catch” them in living cells.
For this, scientists created a fluorescent antibody that illuminates the structure of DNA. At the first inspection, the researchers discovered the strange behavior of DNA strands. They behaved quite unusually, creating a flicker. This proved that “i-motives” are actively growing, dying and are being formed anew. The time and place of their appearance gave answers to questions about the nature of the formation of nodes. They bloom in old cells, whose DNA allows you to "read" information. And also "i-motifs" choose those areas where genes originate or die.
This discovery suggests that the nodes directly affect the readability of genes. Thus, the form of DNA is important for healthy cells, since nodes of an unusual shape can lead to their disease.
8
Injections from blindness
In 2018, doctors made a huge breakthrough in the field of gene therapy, consisting in the development of an injection that helps in the treatment of chorioderma, eye disease. According to statistics, this disease most often leads to blindness.
The injection was tested on fifteen patients suffering from this disease due to genetic heredity. The therapy consisted of introducing a virus containing the missing gene into the body. It was injected into the back of the orbit.
The procedure performed a direct effect on the nerve endings of the retina. Correction of the genes did not cause side effects in the twelve studied patients, and their decline in their vision stopped. In some cases, improvements have even been observed. But the main thing is that after five years, the return of the disease was not detected.
If it weren’t for the injections, most patients could go blind over time. Such success allows optimism to look at the development of gene therapy, suggesting the possibility of treating other diseases.
9
Sexual abuse stamps on DNA
Workers in the judiciary may soon have access to a whole new way to confirm child abuse. Scientists have proven that childhood trauma leaves obvious “scars” in the victim’s DNA. Several people were chosen as subjects, among whom were those who were abused in childhood. Methylation in genetics allows the police to determine the age of the person who left the DNA particles at the crime scene. And also this process can be a nebulizing tool that affects gene activation.
In the study, methylation showed a genetic difference between people who grew up in safety. The victims revealed 8 areas of DNA in which fogging occurs by 29%. This is great news for violent people who have failed to prove their case in court. In the future, methylation may be strong evidence of the violence. The "evidence" is in male sperm, which will be used for the following experiments. They will show whether child abuse can cause genetic harm to future generations of the victim.
10
NASA Space Twins
Scott Joseph Kelly and Mark Edward Kelly are the only twins serving on NASA. Observation of them allowed scientists to determine how space affects the human body. Scott went on a space journey, having been in Earth orbit for almost a year while his twin was on Earth. It was a famous mission where the American astronaut, together with the Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko, stayed onboard the ISS for 340 days.
After Scott returned in 2016, NASA researchers found that the brothers weren’t so much alike, and they recruited their scientists for more detailed research. It turned out that after the flight, Scott became taller, lighter and “carried” other intestinal bacteria. And his genes strangely changed.
In the photo: Scott Kelly (left) and Mikhail Kornienko (right)
NASA made a statement in 2018 that extreme conditions during space travel act as an activator for specific genes. Most, although not all, have managed to recover on Earth. Of Scott's physical changes, vision, bone shape, and the immune system have undergone a change. Some genes have forever changed due to oxygen starvation and DNA repair.
NASA wants to find out why 7% of Scott's genes have not returned to normal even after a long stay on Earth. The answer to this simple question will help ensure safety for astronauts during long-term missions. Over a clarification of the reasons now break the brains of more than 200 scientists, along and across the studying Kelly brothers.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there are a lot of amazing articles about space. For example, we will be glad if you read an article about the most unusual stars in the universe. Believe me, there are a lot of interesting things!
Finally
As you can see, genetics is a modern science that has a completely practical application. One of the most promising areas of this science is molecular genetics, which over the past half century has made a huge breakthrough in the study of the physicochemical properties of the transmission of hereditary information.