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Are 68 Molecules Enough To Understand Diseases?

Roland Piquepaille writes "A researcher from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) claims that 68 molecules can explain the origins of many serious diseases. After reviewing findings from multiple disciplines, he 'realized that only 68 molecular building blocks are used to construct these four fundamental components of cells: the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), proteins, glycans and lipids,' and he said that 'these 68 building blocks provide the structural basis for the molecular choreography that constitutes the entire life of a cell.'"

8 of 133 comments (clear)

  1. Overkill by Tubal-Cain · · Score: 5, Funny

    You should only need 42.

  2. Are 2 Bits Enough To Understand Computers? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    An AC on Slashdot claims that 2 bits can explain the origins of many serious computer viruses. After reviewing findings from multiple hosts, he 'realized that only 2 bits are used to construct these four fundamental components of computers: the processor (x86 and x86_64), memory, storage and network tubes,' and he said that 'these 2 building blocks provide the structural basis for the bitwise choreography that constitutes the entire life of a computer.

    1. Re:Are 2 Bits Enough To Understand Computers? by Ethanol-fueled · · Score: 4, Funny

      I've had enough of ACs' two-bit advice. Here's a quarter -- go call somebody who gives a shit.

      Nah, just kidding man. Mod parent insightful.

  3. Re:Obligatory. by krgallagher · · Score: 4, Funny
    "68 should be enough for anyone."

    When he tried for 69, he blew it.

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    Insert Generic Sig Here:

  4. Re:woo by pesho · · Score: 5, Funny

    117?! This is an overkill. I can boil them down to 3 subatomic particles - electron, proton and neutron. Physicists, feel free to pitch in. Lets get to the bottom of these pesky diseases.

  5. Re:How many were you expecting? by Kingrames · · Score: 4, Funny

    This just in: Carbon-based vulnerability discovered in Carbon-based lifeforms.

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    If you can read this, I forgot to post anonymously.
  6. In other misrepresentations... by Arthur+Grumbine · · Score: 5, Funny

    It has been discovered that there are only 3 elementary particles that are at the cause of ALL disease. We should be more focused on understanding protons, neutrons and electrons, then we could have ALL the answers, not just The Answer.

    I mean, c'mon, there's only three of them, how difficult could it be?

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    Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure everything I just said is completely wrong.
  7. Re:I've got 2 bits... by bob_herrick · · Score: 4, Funny

    I've got 2 bits, a 0 and 1, I can encode almost any piece of information in it. Even a 10 year old can understand 0 and 1!!! This stuff is easy.

    Fixed it for ya!