RNAi stands for RNA interference. RNAi has the ability to block the expression of genes .In the bodies of plants and invertebrates, RNAi plays an important role in viral defense. The RNAi acts as an antiviral system reacting when a plant or invertebrate is exposed to a virus. New research is showing that Mammals have lost this function on RNAi. Instead of being signaled into action, the RNAi is actually turned down when a mammal body is introduces to a virus.
Scientists believe this is due to the evolution of mammal tissues. Since mammal tissues have strengthened an created their own protection, some scientists believe we no longer need RNAi to protect us from viruses.
Other scientists want to harness the power of RNAi and put it back in use in the human body so that human diseases that are currently incurable can be overcome.
I find it interesting that some scientists would want to reincorporate this trait that has become obsolete. Our lack of need for this molecule should be a sign of improvement since our overall body tissues have strengthened and can take on the role of protection.
Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131015103951.htm
More info on RNAi: http://www.macalester.edu/~montgomery/RNAi.html
I think we should not put RNAi back to use in humans because we are continuously changing due to the environment. We lost this process for a reason, so there shouldn't be a need to put it back. I can see why scientists are curious to use these factors to help with incurable diseases, but what makes scientists believe that this process may work? Where is the evidence? This is something that needs to be tested upon before taking action. Our tissues have shown to strengthen, so what makes people think that other organs can't strengthen as well. What if we build up an immune to all these incurable diseases due to evolution in the human species? The overall answer to this is: we just don't know. So many factors play in affect for evolution, that even tomorrow could bring something new and we can develop with it.
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