11 March 2025
We’re back in “winter” weather, such as it is in South Florida with a morning temperature of 58°F and a predicted low tonight of 57°F. Spring was short lived. The high winds blew enough leaves into the pool that I emptied the pump basket and cleaned out the skimmer. Gusts are down to 26 mph this morning but I’ll be cleaning more leaves from the pool for the next few days.
Years ago, when I was teaching, I tried to give my students a preview of things to come since the advent of DNA testing, genome mapping of the human chromosomes, and RNA advances. In today’s New York Times was an article that gave credence to my lectures. Since the advances I mentioned above, the Holy Grail of medicine is to correct genetic defects. Today’s article will alter the way we will view medicine forever.
Like my friend Maureen asked, “For us science amateurs… what does this mean? – M”. Let’s say someone has sickle cell anemia. It’s due to an autosomal (not the sex chromosomes) recessive gene (you must get one recessive gene from your mother and one recessive gene from your father to exhibit sickle cell). The mutation of the gene that causes sickle cell is a point mutation where one base pair on a DNA molecule is wrong. This new therapy leads to the possibility to change the one base pair out for the correct base pair, thus eliminating sickle cell. This is a game changer in science and medicine. Instead of taking a sledge hammer to change mutations, it’s like using micro laser surgery to correct problems. This is just the opening act and will lead to major corrections of multiple base pair mutations. Literally, the sky is the limit.
I don’t often wax so poetically about science “advancements” but this is the real deal and will change how medicine is practiced forever.
The rest of this week is clear after I pick up prescriptions and go grocery shopping. Next week is full of doctors’ appointments, a trip to John Knox Village, and a friend’s birthday celebration. I also need to pack for my upcoming trip.
As is becoming usual, I stayed up too late last night and got up too late this morning. I admit to lying in bed for an hour before getting up. It’s kinda nice!
Stay tuned!