Do you have allergies? I think everyone
has experienced that new spring smell of pollen, dust, and dirt that is
accompanied with a great big HAAAACHOOO! This would be the common reaction of
allergies. YUCKK! Or you have that oh so cute, but oh so hairy puppy dog that
we just can't resist. Oh no here comes that sneezing and watery eyes again.
Well some scientists of the 23AndMe team along with scientists David Hinds, Professor
John Henderson, and Klaus Bonnelykke might have discovered one of the top genetic
findings of 2013. We will talk with the group of scientists today and see what
they have to say. Let’s begin!
Interviewer: So, 23AndMe team, I read in many articles that
you all might have uncovered an important discovery in medical science! Is this
true?
Scientists: Yes, one of our largest studies ever conducted
on common allergies has identified 16 new genetic associations to allergies.
Interviewer: so, what exactly does this mean?
Scientists: This means that we have found proof that
allergies just might be associated with human genes and not just the
irritations of an outside source.
Interviewer: So what makes you all think allergies could be
biological?
Scientists: Because the genes that were implicated in our
study highlighted a series of key pathways in the biological base of common
allergies.
Interviewer: what diseases in your opinion are the most
common?
Scientists: Allergies and Allergic Asthma would be at the
top of the list for most common diseases in our industrialized world.
Interviewer: What gave the 23AndMe team the idea to even
think allergies could be genetic much less go all out and prove this theory?
David Hinds, Ph. D: Because we have seen some substantial
increases in prevalence of allergies and asthma.
Interviewer: So just the increase in positive test results
for allergic reactions was the only thing to light the spark for this huge
study??
David Hinds: Well not exactly. We scientists know that environmental
factors certainly play a role, but our study reinforces the genetic link
between common allergens and a person’s susceptibility to experiencing an
allergic reaction.
Interviewer: So what are the current statistics on this
matter as of right now?
David Hinds: Well, our current estimates of allergies being
heritable are very high!
Interviewer: And what could this suggest to the people with
critical or life threatening allergies?
David Hinds: It is saying that understanding the genetic
factors underlying allergic conditions may be the key to understanding who is
the person that is most likely to suffer from allergies.
Interviewer: And this could very well help doctors better
understand how to medicate and treat a person experiencing an allergic reaction
and not just suppress the symptoms.
23AndMe Scientists: Yes, this discovery will definitely
benefit doctors and more importantly patients experiencing severe allergic
reactions.
Interviewer: So you’re saying it’s almost like a cure for
allergies.
Professor John Henderson: That is exactly what we are trying
to say!! Knowing these pathways could lead to eventual development of drugs
that can cure or prevent allergies and asthma.
Klaus Bonnelykke: This is an important step in allergy
research.
Interviewer: Well congratulations to you all on this new
medical discovery. Thank you so much for your time and information on the
subject. I hope to hear more about it in the future.
Group of scientists: You are very welcome.
Work Cited: The 23andMe Media Center copyright @
2007-2014 23andMe, Inc., all rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment