It's true that discovering one gene doesn't cure a disease (in this case). However, it does provide a lot of opportunities. For instance, if we could identify the AZ genes, we could test for the likelihood of a person developing the disease and start treatment beforehand. We could also develop gene therapy techniques that could regulate the offending gene. Not only that, but identifying genes allows us to develop animal models of AZ (using the offending gene). I agree with the author completely in how the hype is a means to promote the journal articles, researchers, and institutions but they are all businesses. They make money by making and reporting discoveries like this. What makes me sick is how most other reporters like to sensationalize the findings and report a 'cure' for AZ (as the author mentioned). This mis-representation just results in people knowing less and less about what is actually being discovered.
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It's true that discovering one gene doesn't cure a disease (in this case). However, it does provide a lot of opportunities. For instance, if we could identify the AZ genes, we could test for the likelihood of a person developing the disease and start treatment beforehand. We could also develop gene therapy techniques that could regulate the offending gene. Not only that, but identifying genes allows us to develop animal models of AZ (using the offending gene).
I agree with the author completely in how the hype is a means to promote the journal articles, researchers, and institutions but they are all businesses. They make money by making and reporting discoveries like this. What makes me sick is how most other reporters like to sensationalize the findings and report a 'cure' for AZ (as the author mentioned). This mis-representation just results in people knowing less and less about what is actually being discovered.
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