What Does Christmas Have To Do With Genomics?

Do you have the feeling that genomics is all around this year and you cannot escape DNAs, SNPs, chromosomes and double spirals wherever you look? Do you suspect that even Billy Mack is considering a change to “Genes are all around you” in everyone’s favorite holiday movie, Love Actually? Well, that won’t be a surprise as Christmas and genetics have more in common than you think – and scientists are even working on figuring out Santa’s genetic make-up. Gene-edited Christmas trees and Santa’s DNA If it’s all in our genes, the explanation for the Grinch hating the holidays or Santa’s incredible working capacity around the end of December must have its roots in their DNA. Researchers armored with the latest advances in genome sequencing managed to get their hands on tiny samples from Santa, and carefully analyzed what makes him able to carry millions of gifts on a reindeer sleigh or to decide which kid was naughty or nice. Experts found that the red-hatted Ho-ho-ho-sayer has a similar genetic makeup to everyone else, except the 3 extra chromosomes – known as Trisomy 25 – (for the 25th of December). A generously sized turkey, a holly leaf and a Christmas fairy – these unusually shaped chromosomes are in large part responsible for Santa’s unique DNA make-up and his power known as ‘Christmas magic’. However, if you think that knowing Santa’s genetic makeup is just an arbitrary fun fact and you are fretting about British scientists not ...
Source: The Medical Futurist - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Genomics Patients christmas Christmas tree december dinner DNA dna testing food future Gene genes genetics holiday holidays Innovation nutrigenomics pharmacogenomics Santa technology Source Type: blogs