You may realized that our favourite blog carnival, Gene Genie has been mentioned in the last issue of Cell. So as it became a famous blog carnival with the goal of covering the whole genome before 2082, in the sixth issue, I’m going to mention at least a dozen of posts, articles focusing on genes and gene-related diseases. If you happen to remember the time when I hosted Grand rounds, the weekly blog carnival of the best of the medical blogosphere, you’ll not be astonished by these weird videos of genetics. So let’s get ready to the genes…
My Biotech Life presents a gene called Tbx1 whose inactivation leads to DiGeorge syndrome, a rare congenital disease. He also describes Tbx2/3 transcription factors and their role in embryonic development.
The SciencetificBlogging Team has an article on the genetic aspects of autism. Researchers (University of Iowa) have showed that if a mutation occurs in sperm cells of a father (who doesn’t have autism), it can be passed on to his children.
DNA Direct Talk raised some concerns about the gene discovery for heart disease risk, and made an informative list of facts about Mucolipidosis type IV, a neurodegenerative disorder.
Ok, there are thousands of genes, but what we know about non-coding DNA? Larry Moran at Sandwalk tells us everything of the subject and if you’re there, it’s worth taking a look at the comments. Larry also wrote a well-referenced post on human genes for the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
The Afarensis Blog examines this question regarding the Intelligent Design – evolution debate as “when some bit of DNA, thought to be non-coding, looks like it has a function, ID proponents are quick to trumpet this as evidence against evolution”.
If you want to know more about sex chromosomes from an evolutionary point of view, don’t miss Evolgen’s interesting article. Let’s take a break now with a Mendel-rap:
We should continue with clinical genetics and a little bit of fun. Hsien-Hsien Lei has made an interview with Dr. Keith Batchelder, the leader of Genomic Healthcare Strategies, a company focusing on personalized medicine and the intersection of personal genetic information with healthcare.
An amazing case is described by Chris Depelteau at Cool MRI Stuff about the resolution of Chiari malformation after repair. The body is so awesome, isn’t it?
I’m amazed when scientists, physicians present an important issue to the public in a readable and totally understandable style. The genetic genealogist did exactly that by answering some so called “frequently asked questions” about GINA, the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act that has recently passed the House of Representatives.
MC at Neurophilosophy introduces a program called Gene2Music which can transcribe any DNA sequence into music. We should make a podcast of the musics generated by all the genes’ sequences mentioned in Gene Genie…
Sorry for including my submission, but this has become a tradition in Gene Genie, so I’d like to share my thoughts with you on PTC124, a new drug against genetic diseases.
And at last, here is the editor’s choice from Healthbolt.net: Control Your Genetic Destiny! The words of Wade Meredith (Kudos!) should be the message of this issue:
Finding out how your helix is stacked is like getting an advanced copy of the test (your health) before the big exam (the rest of your life). If you already know your weaknesses you can fight them head on, instead of trying to play catch-up once your condition is rapidly deteriorating.
I have to say farewell with an other funny video on the magic of genetics with Gregor Mendel. Thank you for watching!
Here are all the issues of Gene genie:
- First issue: Scienceroll
- Second issue: Sciencesque
- Third issue: Genetics and Health
- Fourth issue: Sandwalk
- Fifth issue: Neurophilosophy
If you’re thinking about hosting an edition, don’t hesitate to contact me at berci.mesko [at] gmail.com.
Update: for more info, please visit genegenie.wordpress.com!
