Science Can Make Us as Fast as Usain Bolt

This article details the findings of the Encode consortium, made up of 442 researchers working in 32 institutes internationally, who have dedicated themselves to researching a, “representative 1% of our genome.” Though it was commonly believed that only 2% of DNA codes for conventional genes and the remaining 98% of the DNA was relatively unimportant, ENCODE research has shown that this “unimportant” section of the DNA is instead made up of genetic switches which instruct the cells in the body which genes must be utilized, or switched “on” or “off”, to produce a muscle, skin, or nerve cell. This discovery could have revolutionary implications on the very foundation of current understanding of such diseases as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. With the development of gene-switch medicine, though many years off in the future, medical potential may be extend past the realm of simply just curing iseases, but also isolating the differences between normal athletes and elite athletes, such as Usain Bolt, who’s only difference may lie in unique patterns of gene switching. Though practical application is notably many years in the future, image the possibilities within the medical field with such information.

As an athlete, I think that it is remarkable that, speaking plainly, the only difference between world-class elite athletes and regular athletes could perhaps be a few differences in patterns of gene switching. That medication could close this gap, not only in athletics, but in diseases where these gene-switches could prove invaluable, is extremely exciting and could change the face and orientation of research in gene therapy in the near future. If such RNA-derived gene-switching medication proves applicable, the future of the pharmaceutical field, my prospective professional field, may be altered forever. The sheer potential that such research contains, could shift international medical perspectives and goals in the future, though further study is of course needed.