Gene hunters flock to Amish country, in the Globe and Mail, is a wonderful article about progress being made in
“We discover a new gene almost weekly,” he said….
Morton estimates that he’s uncovered about 150 genes implicated in various diseases, most of them found in the last few years.
Last year he found a gene implicated in sudden infant death syndrome.
He’s also uncovered a genetic cause for the malady maple syrup urine disease, so-called because the victim’s urine is sweet smelling. It’s a rare enzyme deficiency that if left untreated, as it was for many years in the Amish community, will lead to mental retardation. Through a severe diet that excludes meat, eggs and milk — and constant vigilance — Morton can keep the disease in check.
