The role environment plays in genetic mutation

http://www.seeker.com/nasa-astronaut-scott-mark-kelly-preliminary-results-year-in-space-2235417000.html

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/01/health/astronaut-twins-study-preliminary-results-trnd/index.html

A study was done to understand how human genes would be affected outside of earth's environment. Identical twin astronauts were used as part of the experiment. One was monitored in space, and the other remained on earth. After 365 days, it was concluded that, no eminent physical change occurred in the one who travelled out of space but his genes altered; possibly due to the regular exercise, to prevent bones and muscles lost in the one out of space.

New disorders found in children

Congenital disorder is one of the leading cause of infant mortalities worldwide. For the most part, researchers weren't able to find the cause nor find which children were at greater risks. All that researchers have learned was that genetic play a role in children with those disorders. Recently scientist with deep regrets have discovered fourteen new genetic disorders in children. Such news is bitter sweet because on one end, being able to identify the disorder creates hope that one day, there may be ways to treat or cure it.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170125145851.htm

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1FD0D1

Love Potion #AMOR

Love Potion # AMOR

Scientists have succeeded in discovering a sugar chain molecule that increases the fertilization efficiency in plants that they call AMOR which was found to be responsible for activating pollen tubes that lead to fertilization. With this knowledge a group of biologists and chemists have synthesized a disaccharide which exhibits the same properties as AMOR. This discovery is expected to lead to advances in research to improve plant fertilization efficiency as well as carbohydrate chemistry for plants. The above picture illustrates this “love potion” in action. In figure A, pollen grains generated from the stamen pollinate at the tip of the pistil and pollen tubes grow inside the pistil towards the ovule located in the placenta. In figure B, the pollen tubes are guided to the egg cell by attractant molecules (AMOR) that are produced from the synergid cells, which are present in the ovule. Prior to this, the pollen tubes first need to gain their ability to respond to attractant molecules. Fertilization finally occurs by pollen tubes releasing sperm cells to the egg cells.

I find this discovery revolutionary! Imagine how much faster crop development will be if you could ensure fertilization to every functioning plant. Also, increasing carbohydrate chemistry could lead to quicker maturation times and healthier plant function which would mean plants will reach sexual maturity and produce more offspring faster than normal. AMOR could change farming forever with such an increased yield and could lead to breakthrough discoveries in other related scientific fields. If they could find a related sugar chain molecule in humans, fertilization could become easier for those struggling with infertility. Some sort of sperm cell attractant that could help lead more healthy sperm cells to the woman’s eggs. I feel that this discovery will open a lot of doors for fertilization in many ways.