Genetics

Ten surprising facts that your genes say about you

Genes are the small sections of DNA within the genome that code for proteins. They contain the instructions for our individual characteristics like hair color, and eye.

Most DNA is the same for everybody. But a small percentage of it is yours alone. Those differences determine parts of your physical appearance, your risk for certain diseases, and even your personality. Here is a list of facts about what your genes tell about you

1. The Roots of Grey Hair

Wonder when you will get your first grey hair? Researchers have found a gene that helps figure that out. The gene, called IRF4, helps make the pigment in your hair, eyes, and skin. It may give us insight on aging and possibly how to hold off those silver strands.

2. Influence from  Father

We all know that whatever the pregnant woman eats, drinks and weights will affect the baby, but it is the same case for father too!
If a man tends to over drink, there is a possibility that his genes might change.  If passed down, those changes may pass down to their kids, or even the grandkids and chances of getting conditions like autism, diabetes, and cancer are maximum.

3. A Weighty Discovery

What you eat and how much you exercise isn’t the whole story when it comes to your size. The genes also play a part. Researchers have discovered that some people’s genes tend to push them toward a higher than healthy weight.

4. A Better Look at Blindness

It is now believed that several dozen gene variations may raise the risk of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. This is a leading cause of blindness in people 50 and older.
Some combinations have been tied to wet AMD, a more advanced form of the disease.
This means that doctors might one day be able to test for genetic risk and come up with new ways of preventing and treating both disorders.

See also  Gene Therapy – How Does It Work and Its Examples

5. Genes Say Yes, They Say No

Research has found that a handful of people who were predicted to have inherited childhood diseases do not have them. They are now searching for more of these people. The main aim is to figure out why dint they have the diseases, and this might help in finding the treatment.

6. Worm, our cousin?

Scientists from Japan have found out that people share roughly about 70% of their genetic makeup with tiny acorn worms. These creatures live in the water and breathe through slits in their guts similar to fish gills. There are proofs that those slits evolved into our jaw, tongue, voice box, and throat muscles.

7. Nature AND Nurture

If the news about genetics has left you wondering about what could possibly be hidden in your DNA, you should remember that it not only depends upon your health, personality, and your genes but also your environment and the lifestyle you have.

8.Gluten slip

On average, 40% of people may have genes that are linked to celiac disease. This disorder stops you from digesting gluten and causes inflammation in the intestines.

But only about 1% of the people with these genes have symptoms of the disease

9. Viruses may Boost the Immunity

Our ancestors have faced many viral illnesses as our species evolved. Today some part of your DNA is a leftover from viruses that our ancestors fought off. Researchers used to think these strange bits had no purpose. But when they removed them from cells in a lab, other nearby genes were no longer able to trigger the immune system to fight off new virus attacks. It turns out. Those ancient viruses have been protecting us against new ones all along.

10.A Built-in Stress Fighter

We have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. It is not just the heroes that are at risk. Research shows that even the earthquake survivors have found a couple of different gene patterns that may play a role, too.

See also  Demystifying GMO - What is GMO?

Shockingly these same combinations have also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Researchers are looking into how these conditions are related to each other.

Sharing is caring!