Have you ever felt that Latin American faces sometimes bear a striking resemblance to Asian faces? This is no coincidence! Experts at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have recently made a surprising discovery: it's actually related to our genes!
It turns out that over ten thousand years ago, Asians experienced an epic migration, starting from Siberia, traversing over 20,000 kilometers, and finally reaching South America. This history has been quietly etched into our genes. Isn't that amazing?
Unlocking the Genetic Code: NTU's "Root-Seeking" Journey
The Nanyang Technological University's Centre for Biomedical Engineering is undertaking an ambitious project to build a representative database of Asian human genetic variations. This is no small undertaking, as they will be sequencing the genomes of 100,000 genetic populations, aiming to unravel the historical mysteries of tens of thousands of years ago.
The significance of this research is not just about "root-seeking," but more importantly, it will provide strong support for future precision medicine.
Gene Sequencing: A Leap from "Turtle Speed" to "Light Speed"
Back in the day, sequencing a human genome was a time-consuming and labor-intensive "big project," potentially taking years. But now, with the addition of robots and AI, the process is like riding a rocket!
The NTU Centre for Biomedical Engineering collects human tissue from various sources, extracts DNA, and then uses robotic technology to obtain complete DNA. Next, the DNA is loaded into sequencing instruments, the data is read, and converted into digital information.
Now, each sequencing process takes only about three days, and one machine can generate data for approximately 80 human genomes per week. The efficiency is simply astonishing!
Gene Analysis: Opening a "New World" for Precision Medicine
By analyzing the genes of different races, scientists can understand the symptoms of certain diseases specific to certain populations. This is of great significance for future related treatments. For example, if it is found that a certain population responds particularly well to a certain drug, then the use of this drug can be prioritized when treating similar diseases.
This is simply opening a "new world" for precision medicine!
Genomics Industry: The Next "Hot Spot"?
The potential of the genomics industry is immeasurable. Predictions show that this industry will explode from $33 billion in 2023 to $157 billion in ten years. This is a huge "hot spot!"
This revolution in gene analysis is extending from Europe and the United States to Asia, unlocking not only the past but also increasing future generations' access to precision medicine.
| Year | Genomics Industry Size (USD Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2033 (Forecast) | 157 |
Precision Medicine: The "Key to Health" in the Future
Precision medicine, as the name suggests, is about tailoring treatment plans based on each individual's genes, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It is considered an important direction for future medical development.
Through gene analysis, doctors can more accurately understand the patient's condition, choose the most appropriate drugs and treatments, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.
Advances in gene testing technology are bringing us closer and closer to the era of precision medicine. Perhaps in the near future, each of us will have our own "key to health," opening up a healthier, longer life.