Human Genome | Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project

The human genome is the information on the make up of man which happens to be stored on 23 pairs of chromosomes in the human DNA. It is estimated that there are between 20,000 – 25,000 genes and about three billion pairs of DNA base pairs. In 2003 a project initiated by the US Department along with the National Institute of Health partnered with the Wellcome Trust (UK) and other nations such as Japan and France.

There were certain specific goals for this project which were as follows:

. To find all the possible thousands of genes in the human DNA

2. To find the sequence of the three billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA

3. Provide a data base and store this information

4. Improve tools for data analysis

5. Transfer related technologies to the private sector

6. Address the legal, ethical and social issues that may arise from the project.

This information could be used to track diseases and perhaps find cures. Although the project (HGP) is complete the analysis is expected to continue for an indefinite period of time. The most important feature of this project not withstanding analysis is still ongoing, is the transfer of the technology to the private sector by the federal government, licensing the technologies and encouraging innovative research by the private sector. This aided the biotechnology industry and facilitated the production of new products used widely in biomedical sciences. Technology continues to expand and knowledge increase which brings hope of ground breaking discoveries in the future.

Filed Under: Health, Human Genome Tagged With: DNA, Human Genome Project, Wellcome Trust

Natural Ways to Eat Healthier and Lose Weight

Obesity is becoming a national problem. Not only are children becoming overweight, but the number of adults that are obese continues to rise. There are many diet plans available, from extremely unhealthy styles, to physician approved varieties. One should never radically change their diet while attempting to lose weight without their physicians full approval.

One way to be become healthier and lose weight is to consume foods that are normally found right in most kitchen cabinets. To start, many spices are known to be all natural fat burners. One in particular is cinnamon. Cinnamon not only lowers the levels of sugar in the blood, but it is a healthy fat burner. Consuming at least one teaspoon full of cinnamon a day, mixed with other foods, can help burn calories quickly. Garlic is also known as a natural fat burner. It contains a natural antibiotic and can also lower blood sugar levels. Ginger can be used for upset stomachs and also as a fat burner. It increases body heat, thus burning calories quickly. Ginger also helps with circulation problems.

Eating fruits and vegetables are not only good for you, but many of them contain pectin, which is a great way to rid the body of extra calories. The Vitamin C that many fruits contain, especially oranges, grapefruit and limes, can help keep extra calories from becoming fat. Some vegetables that are high in Vitamin C do the same. These include cabbage, carrots and celery. Vitamin C helps the body dilute the fats that are found in many high calorie foods. Fruits and vegetables that contain the natural ingredient called pectin are also great natural fat burners. Apples are known to be a good source of pectin.

Filed Under: Health, Human Genome Tagged With: Diets, fat burner, Vitamin C

Gene Therapy

The human genome has largely been unknown until the recent decade. Now human genes have been better identified. This has opened opportunities for further genetic study. Medical experts hope to use this new-found knowledge of genes to improve health medicine.

One such experimental method is referred to as gene therapy. This is a procedure in which genetic material is inserted in to a particular cell to alter the genetic code of that cell. This would greatly influence disease prevention and potentially cure particular health issues.

How is the genetic material introduced in to a cell? The genetic material must be housed and delivered in a carrier which is more commonly known as a vector. The most common vector used in experiments at the present time is the virus. Obviously, the viruses are altered to make them safer for the human and to produce the best health results. In experiments though, there still have been some side effects.

Currently gene therapy is still in the experimental stages and undergoing clinical trial. Approval from several authoritative and established sources, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration must be confirmed before proceeding with this procedure. Although gene therapy is still in the initial stages, it has the potential to improve the health of those fighting disease as well as prevent disease in those who may have inherited traits that make them more prone to particular types of diseases. Medical experts will have the ability to alter or completely replace genes and thus genetic code to manipulate and improve human health.

Although there are some ethical and legal issues associated with such medical procedures, these can be resolved as the results of gene therapy and its implications are better known. Studying the human genome and gene therapy, even with its possible adverse consequences, is definitely worth experts’ exploration and best efforts since its results can better human health and medicine.

Filed Under: Biotech, Human Genome Tagged With: Gene, Gene therapy, Genome, Health

From DNA Discovery to Genomics

Over half a century ago, the genetic material in all living organisms, more commonly known as DNA, was discovered and first came into the spotlight. Both James Watson and Francis Crick were widely applauded for the cutting-edge discovery of the DNA double helix at the time. Even now these gentleman are heralded for there work which opened the doors for new fields of science and medicine. At the time, this was the latest and greatest in genetics. No one at the time could predict what huge advancements would continue to be made. Could anyone guess that the discovery of DNA would lead to such break-through science as cloning? A half a century ago, it would have been inconceivable that duplicating a mammal could be possible. When Dolly, the clone sheep was created from a single cell, it was clear evidence of just how far science can go.

Now with the birth of genomics and bio technology, the world of science and medicine continues to move forward at an ever-increasing pace. Individuals and the global community can expect to see continuous break-throughs in scientific research in the human genome.

Currently scientists and experts from a wide range of fields are jumping on the band wagon of new genetic knowledge and findings. For example medical researchers are continuing to pursue the study of the body’s immune system and how it fights diseases. As gene function and their relationships to other genes are better understood, many treatments and potentially cures can be developed to improve individual’s health.

Scientists are also using the ever-increasing knowledge and understanding of genes to better improve crop production. Scientists are making strides forward in research that will assist farmers how to produce a healthier, heartier, more productive crop. Research is also being conducted to find better ways to help forests fight diseases that are common in trees.

These are just a few of the ways the study of genes can help our world.

Filed Under: Biotech, Human Genome Tagged With: DNA, Gene, Genome

New Approach to Drugs and Medicine

What is the future of health medicine now there are monumental, cutting edge discoveries in gene information available? What can happen to benefit those suffering from diseases or those who may be more prone to certain health issues.

This is an extremely exciting era in science and medicine and it would seem that “the sky is the limit” as they say. Knowing human genome can revolutionize medical fields. Although it is a long journey between the ability to identify genes and that of discovering specific medicines that can treat health problems caused by abnormalities in genes and gene sequence, researchers are on the right path. Already research is being conducted to discover the exact association between particular gene codes and particular diseases.

Bio Tech organizations are speeding forward as they make gene testing available through commercial routes. The purpose of these genetic tests is to discover abnormal genes in those susceptible to specific diseases. This can help in disease prevention or enabling experts to catch symptoms early.

This genetic information is also transforming the drug industry which relies heavily on trial and error. Soon this will be a primitive method of the past. As health medicine transforms from educated guess work to treatments specifically tailored to match genetic make-up. As the treatment becomes more localized on targeted sick areas of the body, it has the potential to increase effectiveness while reducing or even eliminating many of the side affects common in treatments today.

One of the most exciting opportunities will be gene therapy which is using genes themselves to fix medical problems. This has the potential to treat and resolve medical issues derived from genetics or even those acquired through environmental factors. Gene therapy is conducted by substituting or replacing unhealthy genes with normal, healthy ones.

The public can be prepared for great strides forward in health medicine due to the knowledge of human genome.

Filed Under: Health, Human Genome Tagged With: Gene, Genetic testing, Genome, Human genome

Benefits and Apllications of the Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project has changed history and is influencing many areas of science. Current application and potential application of genome research can be found listed below:

1. Genome Research has impacted biomedical research in the areas of molecular biology and has the potential to revolutionize clinical medicine. There will be improvements in diagnosing diseases and discovering those who possess genes that are prone to certain types of diseases. Already finding from the project have assisted researchers looking for the specific genes related to colon cancer, breast cancer, and Alzheimer.

2. The Human Genome Project will also benefit the current problem of non-reusable energy being the prime resource for energy. The genome research can benefit energy and the environment by using microbial genomics to produce biofuels, or alternative energy resources as well as to create techniques for monitoring pollutants in the environment.

3. Genomics has also played a new role in fighting crime and in exercising civil justices. Persons suspected of crime can now have their DNA checked to see if it matches clues left at the scene of the crime. They also can aid in exonerating those who have been wrongly accused of committing a crime since their DNA does not match crime evidence.

4. There are also great benefits to gene research since parentage can more easily be discovered. Genomics can and as it advances further have the ability to establish family relationships and identify specific individuals.

While the Human Genome Project initially may have seemed best suited for specific purposes, the results of the project’s research are and will continue to enhance a wide range of fields and sciences. The benefits will continue as technology advances to address more complicated issues. From medicine to criminal justice to genealogy, the human genome project proves to be a landmark study that will revolutionize the world.

Filed Under: Human Genome Tagged With: Human Genome Project

Benefits of the human genome project

The Human Genome Project launched by the Us Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health was an ambitious and expensive program launched in 1990 with a target period of fifteen years. However, the rapid technological advancements in the field of genetics ensured that the project was over in 2003 thirteen years after the commencement. Human genome simply said is the sum total of all the genes present in a human body that which gives it the defining chemical code. This human genome determination study provided the scientists a road map to follow further analysis of the DNA that characterizes any human. The most important achievement was that a new field of medical study emerged which could by the use of the information of genes predicts and intervene in case of genetic diseases with help of specifically created health medicines. One of the amazing theories of treatment with health medicines after genetic analysis is commencing the treatment before the disease manifests made possible by the predictions. Another spin off of the human genome study is that complex human nature that creates and sustains addiction can now be tackled with gene therapy using these health medicines. Although the tall claims of health medicines developed through DNA analysis might sound completely fictitious to the uninformed there lay a great potential in treatment of complex diseases in it. Study of the human genome has made parent identification a reality and also has many applications in law enforcement apart from the use in health medicines. Even there have been rapid advancements in the field of bio fuels from the study of human genome by this particular project. Genetically predisposed medical disorders are now well within the reach of preventive intervention by the health medicines of the new technology.

Filed Under: Health, Human Genome Tagged With: DNA, Genome, Human genome, Human Genome Project

Safe Sun Exposure

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We have heard the stories of those shunned from the sun who become desperate for vitamin D. Ultraviolet rays from the sun, like a host of foods such as cereal, milk, fish, and cheese, help us maintain healthy quantities of both phosphorous and calcium. Our blood relies on vitamin D to promote strong bones and avoid conditions like osteoporosis and rickets. There are plentiful sources to help us avoid vitamin D deficiency and one of them is sun exposure. But as much as we’ve heard about vitamin deficiencies, like that of vitamin D, we know that skin cancer is ever prevalent with over-exposure to the sun as the source.

It’s true that our skin requires up to 15 minutes of sun per day to acquire the daily recommended dose of vitamin D. It then makes it way to our liver and kidneys, active in protecting our bodies from bone growth-inhibiting microbials and bacteria. So if you love to frolic in the sun, whether it’s poolside or on the beach, taking jogs by the river or hiking all weekend long, you need to protect your skin from over-exposure to the sun and vitamin D. Toxic amounts of this vitamin can lead to not only sunburn or dangerous cancers that could be life-threatening, but anemia and frequent episodes of constipation, vomiting, and heart palpitations.

While some of these conditions sound worse than others, the truth is, they all could be attributed to your imbalanced absorption of vitamin D both from sun exposure and from a diet lacking this vital nutrient, and can lead to long term detriment to your overall health. To healthfully control your daily vitamin D dosages, always put sunscreen between the UV rays that produce vitamin D and your skin, as well as take the recommended amount of supplements to be sure your body is equipped with enough vitamin D to avoid poor bone health.

Filed Under: Biotech, Human Genome Tagged With: Health, Rickets, Skin, Skin neoplasm, Sunburn, Ultraviolet, Vitamin, Vitamin D

Understanding Ferals

There have been multiple cases, though rare in the history of mankind, of children brought up in some form of isolation thereby restricting gravely their aptitude for language. When looking at the maturation process of most well-adapted adults, clear demarcations exist in terms of when and at what level certain levels of success should be and were achieved.
Certain landmarks are reached such as diaper training, walking, talking, etc., conditioned by both social standards and those within a familial setting. Structure and necessary discipline and guidance are required to set a pace at which healthy maturation and adaptation takes place.

In the case of ferals, these factors are absent, resulting in multiple deficiencies of domestication, devoid of motion, sound, laughter, and personal development and integration into some sort of community. Isolated and abandoned, these children are forced to equip themselves with cognitive and defensive modes of living, including a need to make sense of their claustrophobic environments, including the ones in their own heads.

Pigs and monkeys and other animals exist within feral conditions and grow up among these types of seclusive populations. The neutering and vaccination schemes imposed by biotechnology initiatives, especially when it comes to the nuisance of feral cat incidences, cannot be adapted for approaching the issue of human feralism. Instead, health medicine as a discipline is interested in analyzing the affects of both biological and conditions imposed by nature or abuse on the feral humans. The interest remains in assimilating them into the world by focusing on language, health, and social conditioning.

While the process is slow, most health professionals agree that critical strides can be made for a feral child in terms of their adjustment to society. This adjustment involves verbal, numerical, and analytical reasoning skills that may have been limited by their alternative upbringing and exposure to collective living. The holistic experience of transferring from a feral life requires the hands-on assistance of trained and compassionate skilled workers.

Filed Under: Biotech, Human Genome Tagged With: Cat, Feral, Feral cat, Free-Roaming, Health, New York City, Pets, Recreation

Large Metastudies Find New Areas of Human Genome Linked to Obesity, Waist-Hip Ratio

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This week, scientists from the GIANT consortium reported the discovery of eighteen new regions on the human genome that contribute to obesity and thirteen other regions that play a role in determining the waist-to-hip ratio. These studies combine information about the genome along with the body mass index and waist-hip ratio using more than one quarter of a million study participants from North America, Europe and Australia.

Waist-hip ratio is a predictor of health consequences regardless of overall weight. The body-mass index may be associated with the risk for obesity; scientists are looking for genes that may indicate increased susceptibility for obesity. Since obesity is associated with multiple health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, determining genetic influences may give scientists and doctors different opportunities to lower the prevalence of obesity.

One of the important findings of the trials is that so many genetic loci for waist-hip ratio were found that were not associated with the body-mass index. These loci appear to be associated with the development of adipose or fat tissue while body-mass index genes appear to be related to the role of the nervous system in determining satiety or fullness. This shows that there are separate biological processes and distinctions in the regulation of a person’s weight. The waist-hip ratio genes were also found to be indicators of heart disease, diabetes and death – these indications did not have a specific association with overall obesity. The waist-hip ratio genes were also more prominent and have a stronger effect in women than men.

The GIANT consortium includes the company deCODE which has discovered genetic risk factors for many common diseases and hundreds of academic institutions. The success of these studies demonstrates the importance of collaboration between different organizations in the research of the human genome. These two studies are published online at the Nature Genetics journal website.

Filed Under: Biotech, Human Genome Tagged With: Body mass index, DeCODE genetics, Gene, Genetics, Heart disease, Nature Genetics, Obesity, Waist-hip ratio