Who says that scientists don't know how to enjoy themselves, eh?

Does a gene by any other name sound as sweet? Well, if it’s originally called “manic fringe homologue” the answer is that any other name sounds sweeter.

In the past, when scientists discovered new genes in drosophila flies, they came up with whimsical titles for them. In homage to a video game character they called one such fly gene “Sonic Hedgehog”. Sonic the Hedgehog was about as rambunctious and likeable as video game characters come.

But doctors and researchers are now calling for the reconsideration of names given to related genes in the humans – such as “Sonic Hedgehog homologue” and “manic fringe homologue”. The Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) Gene Nomenclature Committee is now re-evaluating these genes along with three others: lunatic fringe homolog, radical fringe homolog, and Indian Hedgehog homolog.

It turns out that telling a patient that they have a disability or illness because of a “manic” or “lunatic” gene isn’t so fun after all.

You can’t blame fly scientists for wanting to have some fun. But maybe it’s time for us to grow up and refrain from naming genes after video game characters. Because the last thing that a patient wants to think when hearing about a deadly mutation is “game over”.

Roxanne Khamsi

"Language," William S. Burroughs reminded us, "is a virus from outer space."

Nice picture:

edit: couldn't find the picture.

edit: have a shot of a porcupine instead: http://www.african-safari-pictures.c...pine-facts.jpg

I thought I'd use an avatar of a jolly fellow to reflect my innate jolliness.

224

Who the fuck are the Scissors Sisters? Are they gay? And why should I care?

Now that's a cover.

What's on your iTune list?

pedorreos

itunes es una mierda

hace varios dias que estoy solo en mi casa a la hora del almuerzo, y la verdad que es una mierda, para que me voy a cocinar para mi solo?

por placer? mejor cocinar que comer asquerosidades del microwave.

no es un problema se tu comes solo. El microwave es una mierda y el sabor es malo.

Ah, bueno, bueno, el microwavo es mi savioro.

Lo que es bueno es que tu puedes tocar discos la noche entera, y la senorita no te va molestar.

Yo no vayo a la disco solo a la noche--muchas chicitas calientes alli!

Tocar Discos^. No discos para bailar. ;)

ah, claro!

my phone is ringing!

al huevon de al lado le apesta el hocico

Who brought the flowers?