Most people don’t know this but DNA was actually discovered as far back at 1869 when Friedrich Miescher first isolated it. But it wasn’t until 1953 when American Biologist James Watson and English Physicist Francis Crick from the University of Cambridge were able to identified its molecular structure as the double helix we know today. Deoxyribonucleic Acid, or DNA, is a molecule composed of two chains that form a double helix carrying the genetic information for growth and development. Among the DNA that provides the blueprint for our bodies to operate, there is Non-Coding DNA or more crudely known as Junk DNA and usually proves to have no biological function. It traditionally has been thought of as useless yet makes up more than 98% of the human genetic material. But the question has always remained, why is it there if it serves no purpose? The human genome is made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes with each chromosome being a DNA molecule encoded with the genetic material for an organism. The first human genome sequences were only mapped as recently as 2001. Since then strides have been made to unlock the mysteries of DNA and especially the reason behind the 98% that is Junk DNA. Interestingly it’s been speculated that Junk DNA may simply be lying dormant waiting to be turned on. If that is the case then how can it be activated and if it’s activated what new abilities might we as humans have? Evolutionary Biologist Manai Srivastava and a team of Harvard researchers who are studying cellular regeneration are looking at animals that regenerate large portions of their bodies and/or whole limbs. Some lizards like geckos have the ability to drop their tails and regenerate a whole new one later. Salamanders can regrow limbs if lost. Some jellyfish can even regenerate their bodies if cut in half. While the Harvard team hasn’t found out how to turn this gene on in humans yet, they have found that the key may be the Early Growth Response or EGR gene. As it turns out humans also have the EGR gene, it’s just in smaller amounts than these animals that can regenerate limbs and body parts. During their tests the researchers weren’t able to duplicate the ERG gene yet, but they were able to interrupt it and turn it off to stop regeneration. What is surprising is when this was done the gene that turned everything off was found to be part of the originally thought to be useless Junk DNA. If this useless DNA actually serves a purpose like it does here, is it possible that other Junk DNA could be activated to enhance the human EGR gene and create higher levels of cellular regeneration? Perhaps comic book superheroes like Marvel’s Wolverine and Deadpool, who are known for their regenerative powers will one day be the norm among all humans. Doctors would become obsolete because formerly useless DNA will take over and instantly heal the body. It’s an interesting prospect and the possibility of being a real life superhero only adds to the excitement.

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