[ZASHAGALKA]

Independent Online Edition > Science & Technology

"Until now it was assumed that the human genome, or "book of life", is largely the same for everyone, save for a few spelling differences in some of the words. Instead, the findings suggest that the book contains entire sentences, paragraphs or even whole pages that are repeated any number of times.

The findings mean that instead of humanity being 99.9 per cent identical, as previously believed, we are at least 10 times more different between one another than once thought - which could explain why some people are prone to serious diseases. "

The best correlation that I can give is that the humane genome 'proofs' itself by looking at several copies of key genes. This might explain all the 'dead space' that scientist used to think occupied DNA code. So, it's sorta akin to how the Bible is verified: by comparing mulitiple copies of the most reliable texts, textual error is greatly reduced.

I don't think it's all that astounding that a multi-billion piece puzzle has multiple verification points within its code.

But, it speaks wonders about the 'evolution' debate. Apparently we aren't so closely copied to each other as once thought. And the 'space' between us and other species: now thought to be even further apart.

~faith,
Timothy.

[JoeyDog]

Very interesting.

[bopps]

Fascinating and awesome!! Great information to know whether you believe in evalution or GOD. Either way it's an eye opener. Neat!!

[DaFreak71]

I can see how this information could be used to fuel a fire regarding creation vs. evolution. I look forward to such a debate if it should crop up. I do think that in the short term, this is a huge boost for the validity of DNA testing in regards to criminal convictions.

Timothy, do you happen to know how they studied the genes? How many different copies they looked at to determine there were bigger differences than previously thought?

Absolutely fascinating!

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Just read the part in the article where they examined the DNA of 270 people of African, South East Asian, and European descent. Answered my own question, lol.

[DaFreak71]

Wow, ok...just read the entire article.

What I found most fascinating is that among particluar populations, certain genes are more prevalent than others. In the article, it stated that Africans are more likely to have multiple copies of a gene that is resistant to HIV; South East Asians more likely to have multiple copies of the gene that confers resistance to malaria. Sounds like DNA is very adaptive to the conditions of the individual--over time.

[jrussole]

Is there any type of treatment that can irradicate a certain gene that one has genetically been predisposed to ?

[Agnus]

Wow! Phew! My head is spinning. Intrigueing.