Why Homeovitality?
About two decades ago, scientists began the Human Genome Project with a view to determining the entire sequence of human DNA, our genetic blueprint. The turn of the century marked its completion and the beginning of an exciting new era in human health.
What was discovered?
It was found that the entire human genetic blueprint comprises just over three billion nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, that are now thought to include about 25-30,000 genes.
Each gene can produce one or more different bio-active molecules. What each bio-active molecule does and how some of them cause disease, promote health or afford disease protection is known in only a fraction of them right now. It is likely to take many years before the function of all of them is discovered. After that, it will take at least another decade or so before new discoveries can be used to develop new cures and help us to become healthier and protected against disease using classical pharmacological approaches.
Identifying genes and mechanisms that cause disease
In the past, many human genetic studies have concentrated on identifying genes and mechanisms that cause disease. It has been found that ill-health may be caused by genes that synthesize either the normal amount of an inferior bio-active molecule that does not work properly or alternatively, genes that produce less than the amount of a normal bio-active molecule that is required to maintain a healthy state. The latter mechanism is often due to a reduction in gene activity or gene expression. In these cases, the pharmaceutical industry is aiming to develop new drugs that will bond chemically with DNA and increase gene expression unnaturally.
Hybrid Vigour
In more recent times, especially following completion of the Human Genome Project, new genes have been discovered that play a vital role in maintaining mind and body health as well as protecting against and correcting ill-health. Furthermore, scientists are now beginning to discover that hybrid vigour, nature's "super-health", plays a very important role in maximizing our mind and body health and well-being. Learn more >