Polymorphism: a common and localized variation in the DNA code. For example, if the sequence inside a gene typically reads “…GATTACA…” but many individuals are shown to have “…GATCACA”, the “C” that is normally a “T” is a polymorphism. Polymorphisms occur frequently in the human genome: some are neutral in their effect, some are beneficial, … Continue reading
Tag Archives: jargon
Jargon: Hominids (Great Apes, including us)
Hominids: members of the phylogenetic family Hominidae, which includes chimpanzees, orang-utans, bonobos, gorillas, and humans (as well as extinct related forms). What do hominids have in common? Relatively large bodies, long arms and, importantly, no tail. Hominids can also use their hands to gather food and sometimes to use tools. The prefix “homo-” can mean … Continue reading
Jargon: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (a type of anticancer drug)
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI): a drug which blocks the action of a type of protein called a “tyrosine kinase”, which can otherwise be stuck in the “on” position in certain types of cancers. An overactive tyrosine kinase can lead to uncontrolled cell growth (i.e. cancer); a TKI can be used to reduce this undesired activity. … Continue reading
Jargon: Theory (A scientific explanation which best explains the facts)
Theory: 1) a hunch (“I have a theory as to why there’s so much corruption in politics….”); 2) a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Such fact-supported theories are not “guesses” but reliable accounts of the real … Continue reading
Jargon: -algia (Pain)
-algia: Pain! Pain! Pain! This common medical suffix comes from the Greek algos which means… you guessed it: pain. “Neuralgia” is thus pain in one or more nerves; “myalgia” is muscular pain; and “proctalgia” is thus a pain in the ass. I am not kidding. This is an actual condition. Next time someone annoys you, … Continue reading
Jargon: Gene (A stretch of DNA that can be transcribed into a functional RNA molecule)
Gene: a stretch of DNA that can be transcribed into a functional RNA molecule. This RNA molecule is frequently, though not always, translated into a protein. Genes are always referred to as “functional units of inheritance”, which is not a fantastically intuitive concept. This one was given to us by a German who used the … Continue reading
Jargon: Neoplasm (Tumour)
Neoplasm: a tumour, a new growth of tissue which serves no function in the body. Neoplasms can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). The word results from the combination of the Greek neo-, meaning “new” (as in “neonatal”, or “newly born”), and -plasma, “something moulded or created” (as in “plastic”). The phenomenon by which … Continue reading
Jargon: Emesis (The act of vomiting)
Emesis: the medical term for vomiting. Enjoy your breakfast! This one was appropriated by the Latiners from the Greek emein, which simply means “to vomit”. It has been tracked all the way back to Proto-Indo-European, whose ancient root *weme- means “to spit, vomit”. In a hospital, a barf bowl is known as an “emesis basin”. … Continue reading
Jargon: Pyrexia (Fever)
Every once in a while, I will be defining a common medical or biological term which sounds like it was devised by Martians. It wasn’t. The Greeks are usually to blame. pyrexia: fever. The word comes to the English language via modern Latin, itself having scooped up the word purexis from the Greek. The root … Continue reading
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