Scientists at UCLA have been researching the biological nature of schizophrenia. They have reported that they have found variations in DNA sequences that are currently associated with larger risks for schizophrenia, flaws in memory, and other mental defects. They found changes on the largest human chromosome, chromosome 1, in two places of a gene that’s called DISC1. They discovered changes in the gene that pertain to things that relate to the neural foundation of schizophrenia. Researchers studied more than 230 Finnish twins where at least one of the twins had schizophrenia. The scientists examined their DNA, did MRI scans, and did 3D brain mapping techniques. They have found specific variations that can be genotyped within anyone. They want to change the irregular “A, A, T, G” sequence into the healthy “C, C, T, G,” sequence. If a person has the “A, A, T, G” sequence, then they are tens times more likely to have schizophrenia. If it’s possible to change the sequence, then it would result in DISC1 working properly. The scientists hope that they are closer to fighting schizophrenia, and in turn, closer to the day far in the future when they can prevent schizophrenia.
Scientists are pretty far away from preventing schizophrenia, but this is an important stepping stone in that process. These scientists have pinpointed specific That scientists are so close to changing these genetic variations is incredible.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that results in hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and more. It affects .3-.7% of people at sometime in their life. Currently this number is 24 million people in the world. Needless to say, it’s a very difficult disorder for people to have. That scientists could change 24 million people’s lives is amazing. These people wouldn’t have others calling them crazy and more people would accept them. More importantly, millions of people wouldn’t have hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. The impact of this discovery would allow all people who suffer from schizophrenia to lead more regular lives.
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