Funny name, serious stuff
June 10th 2008 04:54
These days in science so much of the research is conducted through group work and collaborative efforts that new findings, ideas and data are now rarely named after their discoverer. This leaves the scientists themselves with the privilege of coining their own names as they so wish. As is the case with many gene names, this can result in a glimpse into the creative, curious, and sometimes bizarre, imaginations of some researchers.
Human gene names can probably be the most mundane over all. They are often very straight-forward, describing the function or significance of a gene, such as SLC11A1 (soluter carrier family 11 member 1). This means doctors can normally avoid having to explain to patients that they are afflicted with a life-threatening illness caused by a gene named after a cartoon character. However, there still are human genes with names like Pokemon, Sonic Hedgehog, Tigger, and ARSE.
Names of genes from other species can afford to be a little more adventurous. The fruit fly has become a favourite for naming genes after the effect they have when mutated, often having silly consequences. These include Cheap Date (mutants are overly sensitive to alcohol), Ether a Go Go (mutants shake their legs under ether anesthesia), Ken and Barbie (mutants lack external genitalia, as do the dolls), and Sunday Driver (mutants have disrupted intracellular trafficking). Some other memorable gene names are Inebriated, Lava Lamp, Grim Reaper, Swiss Cheese, and Half Stoned. With thousands of more genes yet to be discovered and named, one can only wonder how far the imagination will continue to stretch.
Human gene names can probably be the most mundane over all. They are often very straight-forward, describing the function or significance of a gene, such as SLC11A1 (soluter carrier family 11 member 1). This means doctors can normally avoid having to explain to patients that they are afflicted with a life-threatening illness caused by a gene named after a cartoon character. However, there still are human genes with names like Pokemon, Sonic Hedgehog, Tigger, and ARSE.
Names of genes from other species can afford to be a little more adventurous. The fruit fly has become a favourite for naming genes after the effect they have when mutated, often having silly consequences. These include Cheap Date (mutants are overly sensitive to alcohol), Ether a Go Go (mutants shake their legs under ether anesthesia), Ken and Barbie (mutants lack external genitalia, as do the dolls), and Sunday Driver (mutants have disrupted intracellular trafficking). Some other memorable gene names are Inebriated, Lava Lamp, Grim Reaper, Swiss Cheese, and Half Stoned. With thousands of more genes yet to be discovered and named, one can only wonder how far the imagination will continue to stretch.
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Comment by Science News
Another classic that comes to mind, but the specifics esape me, was the naming of a fungus after one of the discoverers peers, something tells me he wasn't much liked