Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how much we, as humans, know about our bodies. It’s amazing, really. I mean, think about it: we have decoded the human freakin’ genome, people. It doesn’t get more detailed than that.
And then again, we know so little about how it all works together. At the genomic level, why do some genes misfire, causing tragic genetic disorders? At the cellular level, why do some cells turn on our own bodies? Why do certain cancers start and grow and spread? Why do some treatments work for some people? And why do the same treatments not work for others?
And why does milk reduce your risk of one type of cancer while increasing the risk of another type?
I’m getting tired of asking why, why, why? What I’d really like is for someone to pop in and give me the answers. But alas, life doesn’t work that way. And sometimes you have to accept uncertainty and learn to live with it. But that doesn’t mean you have to like it, right?
Kath,
You have to check out this recent NOVA episode that I saw.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genes/
It talks about epigenetics & attempts to (start to) explain why some genes can turn into many different outcomes depending on a trigger/catalyst (ie. explaining the whole nature/nurture hypothesis)
Also check out several epigenetics websites for current research.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genes/resources.html
Maybe not what you were looking for, but I found it downright fascinating! Get a copy of the show if you can, it is truly eye-opening.
I know. I hate not knowing and, ultimately, having no control. It’s scary.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Ruth
http://www.infrared-sauna-spot.info