Can genetics determine the success of marriages?

Can genetics determine the success of one's marriage? While this is an interesting question, the studies have revealed compelling data supporting this claim. In an article published by USNews, "Could your DNA predict a happy marriage?", researchers examined the marriage of 71 couples and used surveys to monitor satisfaction, while also testing their DNA to find correlations. 

Studies have focused on a variation in the gene CD38 called CC. This gene has been linked to gratitude and can be analyzed to explore possible variations that correlate to marriage satisfaction or levels of trust/forgiveness. At the end of the study, researchers found individuals with specific variations in the CD38 gene had reported increased satisfaction in their marriages. While this isn't the "end all be all" for determining success of marriages, this gene establishes the link between genes and human compatibility. 

A Genetic Allergy Reaction to Miracle Drug

 Subject: Penicillin, Gene Variation and Allergy Reaction 

Article: ¨Penicillin allergies may be linked to one immune system gene¨

    One of the first antibiotics that had saved many lives from various infections  had been discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. Penicillin is the drug known to inhibit bacterial growth. Penicillin despite being a powerful antibiotic for most infections has been reported as causing allergic reactions such as hypersensitivity, hives, wheezing, vomiting, fevers and more. As a result of there being a variation within the cells and genes of the immune system that seeks out bacteria and viruses. The genetic variation can be seen on the DNA of someone's DNA and until recently on a specific gene known as HLA-B. HLA-B is the gene that codes to make proteins that help determine and defend against foreign bodies in the body. 

    After looking at over 600 thousand health records it was discovered that the sensitivity to penicillin could be linked to chromosome 6. Then afterwards, looking at genetic ancestry records it couldn't be entirely ruled if whether or not this was an inherent variation.  Penicillin is not only the most powerful antibiotic, but it has also raised questions in the medical field. For starters, penicillin allergy reactions usually occur during someone's adolescence and typically goes away as they get older and are able to take the drug if prescribed. Or often enough these patients have been misdiagnosed. However,  if that's the case why has penicillin been known to cause other symptoms that are indication of illness. Based on a personal experience with a penicillin reaction when I was 10 or 11, how do I know that if prescribed the drug again for an infection will I not have the same reaction as before (in my case it happened to thrush)? And if such sensitivity is common amongst children why does it occur at all? What is it about our immune system and specifically in HLA-B that allows for the inability to detect or aid in combating harmful bacteria or viruses? 

Article Link: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/penicillin-allergies-immune-system-genetics 

Supporting Link(s): https://www.medicinenet.com/penicillins-injection/article.htm#what_are_the_uses_for_penicillin_antibiotics 

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/hla-b/ 

Main Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/topic/genetics

Genetic mutation drives tumor regression in Tasmanian Devils

      Tasmanian Devils are carnivorous marsupials that are on the edge of extinction due to devil facial tumor disease. Devil facial disease is 100% fatal and it is a contagious form of cancer. The disease is one of four transmissible diseases and it has caused 80 percent of the marsupials population to be wiped out in Tasmania,Australia. While studying the organism, a group of Australian collaborators acknowledged that some of the Tasmanian Devils with the tumor did not die. Gene sequencing was performed on seven organisms that survived the devil facial tumor disease and on three organisms that died due to the disease. Scientists at Washington State University have discovered gene variants  to be linked to tumor regression in Tasmanian Devils.
     Cancers in humans such as Merkel cell carcinoma is known to have tumor regression similar to the Tasmanian Devils. In my opinion, this scientific discovery is important because it can lead to the discovery of tumor regression of other forms of fatal cancers. Drugs can be developed to trigger the same response that the gene variants perform to reduce the effects of a fatal disease.
   

Possible Genetic Link to Homosexuality

A study done at North shore university preformed SNP analysis of over two thousand men. The study focused on two separate genes, SLITRK5 and SLITRK6. SLITR6 is important in the development of the hypothalamus which helps to produce hormones like oxytocin.  The results of the study state differences in these two genes in between hetero and homosexual men, in addition there was variations in the TSHR gene on chromosome 14  which is a thyroid stimulating hormone receptor. A variation in the first intron of TSHR  correlates with a previous study that found abnormalities in thyroid function in homosexual men, the conclusion of this study infers that there is enough variation in these three genes

the better we as a society understand homosexuality the more it will be accepted, If we can change ignorant peoples minds to actually prove that they do not actually have a choice. Although, we live in a country where people refuse to believe in climate change even though its been proven since the 80's .
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Brain Genes' Effect on Food Intake

How are our food intake and dietary preferences affected by our brain genes? Silvia Berciano from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid found out the relationship between brain genes and food intake in certain groups of people. The study was done by analyzing 818 men and women of European ancestry. Their genetics were analyzed and a questionnaire was given to obtain information regarding their diet. The researchers studied the genes involved in certain eating disorders and discovered that these genes are relevant to a person's dietary habits and food choices. In addition to that, the researchers mentioned a good example such as the oxytocin receptor gene which affects a person's chocolate intake. Moreover, a person's fiber and vegetable intake are affected by an obesity-associated gene. 

This study helps people understand the factors involved in a person's dietary habits and food choices. A good way to improve the study is by performing the research on people from different ethnicities and backgrounds. Hopefully this study would eventually empower people to shift to a healthier diet.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-04-genetics.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16848714

Isolated Genes in Iceland Could be Key in Preventing Alzheimer’s

Isolated Genes in Iceland Could be Key in Preventing Alzheimer’s

 

It is estimated that about 90% of the population in Iceland is pure Icelandic. For this reason, geneticists have been attracted to Iceland and their gene pool to conduct experiments and do research. A company called deCODE was created in an effort to map the genome of Iceland (about 332,000 individuals). The deCODE team has identified genes that effect the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. About 1% of the Icelandic population has a rare gene variance that completely protects an individual from developing Alzheimer’s. Using this information about the genetic variant, researchers are now working to replicate what this gene does in order to use it for medicinal purposes.

The research presented in this article is incredibly promising for the field of medicine. Alzheimer’s has been a bit of a mystery, and remains as one to this day. There is no conclusive evidence on why or how people get it, and there is certainly no cure for it. With the genetics research being done by the deCODE team, perhaps some day we will be able to treat this disease. Similar research could shed light on other conditions or diseases, ultimately leading to more cures, preventions, and treatments. 

Read about why Iceland is the world's greatest laboratory!

Human Height Genetics Revealed

Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits conducted an international study of 700,000 people revealed 83 genetic variations effect height. The study used a technology called ExomeChip to study 200,000 gene variants examining bone cartilage, and growth hormone production. Of these, STC2 was found to have DNA changes that control height.  Activation of STC2 was found to increase height by 1-2cm and this sheds light on how growth works. Scientists hope to use this to predict growth patterns of diseases such as diabetes and schizophrenia to be able to provide precision treatment.

While this may answer the genetic reasons for height gain and growth, the STC2 and other growth factors can also be activated and extended due to environmental influence which can either activate or hinder growth. I think diet, exercise, and nutrition is a severely overlooked factor in human height/growth. In eastern Asian for example, the average height has grown significantly over the years most likely due to the increased availability of nutritious food and modern lifestyle.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature21039.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315620.php