Linda at the Otovalo market, Ecuador
Good Lord, how do they do this stuff!?
In what used to be my line of work (geology/geotectonics)
one operates thusly: First you read the
literature, talk to your buddies, and think.
From this, with luck, a clever hypothesis arises.
Next, you tests that hypothesis by first predicting a consequence:, “If
I am right then thus and such must be true.”
Finally, you go in the field in search of thus and such, which often may
be as tangible and unmistakable as a rock, a fault, or even a mountain range. If it’s not there, you’re wrong – go drink a
beer and start over.
But these molecular biologists/cancer researchers face no
such simple and straightforward task.
First of all, they are dealing with stuff far too small to actually see,,
hence must (it seems to me) grope around in the dark searching for clues. Also, the systems within which they operate
are vastly more complicated than anything I ever encountered. Geez!
Elsewhere I have stated that, if I had it to do again I
would go into cancer research. I take it
back: I’m not smart enough.
So, anyway, today I encountered another gene I’ve never
heard of. It is called BRAF, and when
functioning correctly codes for a protein
that somehow is vital for proper within-cell signaling.
Mutated BRAF may lead to cancer and birth
defects.
What can be done about it seems to be a work in progress.
Click on the link below and you will read of BRAF and OVCA,
as well as many other things. The lead
illustration alone is worth the price of admission.
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