The lab in particular is Arhat Abzhanov’s. The scientist is on quite a mission. Without having to plod through excess jargon, he wants to find out which genes among bird embryos are dormant. When he does, he intends to apply the method to curing a birth defect known as HFM or Hemifacial microsomia. As the name suggests, it’s a facial anomaly that affects one out of every 4,500 births.
If you’re wondering how this is connected to the title of the post, keep in mind Dr. Abzhanov is experimenting with birds whose evolutionary ancestors are reptiles. So if he can alter the bird embryos at the specific point where they grow beaks, then he can make the birds revert to their origins. This means the embryos in the egg grow into reptiles. Of course, as noted in his website, ethical standards demand that the eggs are never hatched.
The Science Behind the Experiment
Dr. Abzhanov’s work is rooted in evolutionary developmental biology, a field that examines how changes in an organism’s development can lead to evolutionary changes. By studying the genetic makeup of bird embryos, he aims to identify the dormant genes that were once active in their reptilian ancestors. This involves intricate gene mapping and manipulation techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, which allows scientists to edit specific parts of the genome with high precision.
The ultimate goal is to understand how these dormant genes can be reactivated. This knowledge could have far-reaching implications, not just for evolutionary biology but also for medical science. For instance, if scientists can learn how to control gene expression in birds, similar techniques could potentially be applied to human genes, offering new avenues for treating genetic disorders.
Implications for Medical Science
Once this complicated process is accomplished, Dr. Abzhanov intends to do humanity a great service. That is, use the gene-altering technique to restore normal human features on unborn HFM babies. Hemifacial microsomia is a condition where one side of the face is underdeveloped, affecting the ear, mouth, and jaw areas. Current treatments often involve multiple surgeries and can be quite invasive. If Dr. Abzhanov’s research is successful, it could lead to less invasive, more effective treatments for this condition.
The potential applications don’t stop there. Gene therapy could revolutionize the treatment of various congenital disabilities and genetic disorders. For example, conditions like cleft palate, Down syndrome, and even some forms of cancer could potentially be treated by correcting genetic anomalies before birth. This would mark a significant advancement in prenatal medicine, offering hope to countless families affected by these conditions.
Unlike the production of innovative technology, what Dr. Abzhanov intends to do might take a good number of years. The ethical considerations alone are immense, requiring rigorous testing and validation to ensure that the techniques are safe and effective. Moreover, the regulatory landscape for gene editing is still evolving, adding another layer of complexity to the research.
Having explained what he’s up to, please dispel all those Jurassic Park fantasies swimming in your brain. While the idea of reverting birds to their reptilian ancestors might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, the real-world applications of this research are far more grounded and potentially life-changing.
Source Harvard
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
