How Tall Are You? Just Look at Your Genes

In recent research studies, it was shown that the accumulation of genes in one's body can dictate the height of that person. The findings of this research show that the combination of a large number of genes in an individuals, rather than just a "tall" or "short" gene, can determine their height. Even though this research did not contribute in explaining the heritability of height, it has given scientists insight on how genes play a role in human height and what biological pathways those genes play a role in.

    In one study, hundreds of investigators from multiple countries were selected to identify which genes affect height in approximately 200,000 human samples. After the research was completed, the investigators then combined their results to see what additional results could be found. The pooling of all the samples was necessary because since height is a complex genetic trait, with possibly a number of genes with small effect each adding up to influence whether a person would be taller or shorter.

    After all the research was statistically analyzed, it was found that there were 180 different genetic regions that influence the trait. "These common gene variants could explain as much as sixteen percent of the variation in height," said study co-author Kari North, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. They researchers also found that the genes were not random and could  point to functional pathways important in influencing height.

    Even though many scientists obtained a plethora of information over the course of this study, the proportion of inherited variation in height is still unexplained. However, this newly acclaimed knowledge can give important insight height, skeletal growth, and growth defects.  It is also shows how similar approaches can be taken to look for genes underlying other common traits and diseases relevant to body size, like type 2 diabetes.

Monkey Business in Myanmar

   Earlier this year, a new species of monkey was recently discovered in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, a country located in South East Asia. The Rhinopithecus strykeri,  one of a species of snub-nosed monkey, have been known to dwell within mainly Vietnam and China until this recent detection. The unearthing of this species occurred when field biologists led by Ngwe Lwin from the Myanmar Biodiversity And Nature Conservation Association supported by an international team of primatologists from Fauna & Flora International and the People Resources and Biodiversity Foundation, discovered the new species during the nationwide Hoolock Gibbon Status Review in early 2010.

   Even though this species has previously existed in other parts of South East Asia, scientists have somewhat of an explanation why they weren't discovered until recently. It is believed that since this new species of snub-nosed monkey inhabits the Kachin State in northeastern Myanmar it is geographically isolated from other species by two major barriers, the Mekong and the Salween Rivers, which may explain why the species has not been discovered earlier. According to local hunters the monkeys spend the summer months, between May and October, at higher altitudes in mixed temperate forests. In winter they descend closer to villages when snowfall makes food scarcer.

    However, even with this discovery of the new species, the snub nosed monkey is still considered to be critically endangered. This endangerment is a result of the increasing pressure of the hunters. The hunting pressure has increased from the building of logging roads by Chinese companies beginning to invade the once isolated distribution area of this newly discovered monkey. Although there haven't been many acts enforced to slow down the decline of this species, many people aware of the situation are determined to come up with a solution. Mark Rose, Chief Executive of Fauna & Flora International said, "We are committed to taking immediate conservation action to safeguard the survival of this important new species together with our partners and local communities in Myanmar."

Fun Facts:

When it rains, water gets in the upturned noses of the monkey, which causes them to sneeze.

To avoid getting rainwater in their noses they spend rainy days with their heads tucked between their knees.

It also has a relatively long tail, approximately 140% of its body size.

In local dialects it is called mey nwoah (monkey with an upturned face).

Looks like Michael Jackson (in my opinion).

Osmoregulation: Sea Turtles

Osmosis is the diffusion of water to create equal concentrations of a solution. All organisms, whether they are terrestrial, amphibious, or marine, must osmoregulate to create an isotonic solution. An isotonic environment keeps an organisms fluids from becoming to diluted, or too concentrated, and helps animals maintain internal balance, or homeostasis.

Sea Turtles excrete salt by "crying"
and it is visible when they are out of
the water.

Salt glands are organs in reptiles and birds and help in excretion which is how they osmoregulate. Salt glands in these organisms are mainly found in the skull area; most likely in the nostrils, mouth, or eyes. The salt is moved from the blood to the glands by active transport, and then excreted as a concentrated solution. Salt glands in marine animals function in sustaining salt balance, which enables marine vertebrates to drink salt water.

The sea turtle is a marine animal which has salt glands in its eyes. The way this reptile excretes the salt it intakes is by "crying". This act is necessary for the sea turtle because unlike mammals, reptiles and birds have less efficient kidneys which means that urination would not be as helpful. Since their skin is impermeable to salt, and the assistance of excretion, sea turtles are able to dwell in saltwater environments while maintaining homeostasis.