"The chromosome abnormality completely disappeared [my emphasis added], something we've never seen before" from a drug aimed just at boosting red blood cells, List said." - Associated Press
What are the implications for all disorders with a chromosomal component? They've been treated as irreversible because they're genetic. While we know environmental factors can cause genetic mutation (e.g., radiation), perhaps we haven't paid enough attention to the idea that there might be substances that could cause genetic healing. Or just plain healing. Perhaps having a chromosomal variation that fits with variations held by others is just a marker for having the disease, one that will go away if the disease is successfully cured. How many people are left untreated for genetic diseases, such as Down or Williams syndrome, only being given care for the symptoms that are deemed manageable within the bounds of current medical knowledge?
And what are the implications for the variety of addictive behaviours that have been suggested to be genetic, particularly alcoholism?
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