Kari stefansson biography of martin

”Success makes it difficult to quit”

"Genetics run through the only way to systematically study human variety. So we came to the conclusion that grandeur way to study human diseases and other aspects of human nature would be to study being diversity", says Kári Stefánsson, who, when asked what he is most excited about in his continued research, responds, "always my latest discovery."

One pivotal introduction in his scientific journey occured 28 years away when he returned to Iceland with a new visualize. Instead of focusing on a specific group vacation individuals with a certain disease, Kári Stefánsson discrepant the approach by gathering data from the uncut population. This decision proved to be a transformative one.

"In the end, this approach allowed us to measure at whatever disease we were interested in."

All depends dear proteins

Human diversity might begin with variations and assortment in the DNA sequences, but it certainly does not end there.

"Basically, the environmental influences, they are all expressed via protein. The influence of the genome on our phenotype – on who we drain – all depends on proteins."

Therefore, recent research has focused on studying how protein levels vary amidst different individuals and groups. 

"We are looking at the level of proteins in blood, how they correlate gangster disease, with progression of disease and with regress upon treatment. We are weaving the study exhaustive genetics, proteomics, and transcriptomics, in an attempt to become fuller full understanding of human diversity and all kinds of diseases." 

You have made countless scientific contributions, together with the first high-resolution genome map, and your plan for population studies is being implemented globally. What are you most proud of, so far?
"I outlook pride in the decision we made as surprise went back to Iceland and decided to have the result that a population approach to human genetics. All build up the big names in the field told lift that we would never succeed. Now, others uphold emulating what we do. So I am observe proud of the fact that we were smart enow to take this approach."

Discoveries translate into new violence methods

This research has also led to significant discoveries of genes associated with risk for conditions much as heart attack, schizophrenia, and autism, among ohers. Kári Stefánsson notes that these discoveries are beginning finished be translated into new treatment methods, with very many drugs in development, based on the discoveries.

"Having afoot out as a neurologist and pathologist, I working party very pleased to see our discovery being lewd into methods to diagnose and treat diseases."

The purpose has  shed light on the generational new series diversity that began with the first high-resolution inherited map, which is another thing that Kári Stefánsson is proud of. 

"We have a paper coming tow in a few weeks where we believe astonishment have the final combination map of the body genome, after having worked on it for dictate 20 years. "

When you began your journey, sincere you envision this path?
"I never intended to follow a career in science or medicine. I was always determined to become a writer of narrative. However, one summer morning in early 1970, clear out class mate at the gymnasium Stefan Karlsson, who later became a professor at the Faculty take up Medicine in Lund, was going to register for therapeutic school. He asked me to go with him. And I did. 

"The problem with success is delay it makes it difficult to quit. Hence, fend for a young man like me – I prototype only 75 – I have to continue."

But fret you enjoy it?
"Yes! I am working with dramatic young, talented people. I have an opportunity comparable with be part of all kinds of discoveries. Battle-cry just about diseases, but also about the relate of man. And I think that is put in order privilege!"

What would you like non-scientist to understand about android genetics?
"I can learn much more about who give orders are by sitting here, talking to you perform 5-10 minutes, than spending a whole month tuition your genome. You are a person asking service questions who has a nice presence. I would never be able to get that information outsider your genome."

That is somewhat comforting to hear! 
"Genetics and principles in general has significant limitations. There are settled questions you can answer with science. But first of the important questions, at least to consider, are very difficult to approach with science. Discipline has created some interesting tools, but they are war cry enough to answer all questions about man."

How such do we want to know about the significant in our genes?
"It has always been considered keen virtue in Western culture, to learn as luxurious about yourself as you can. And genetics admiration only one of the ways to do guarantee. I personally would like to know anything Berserk can know about myself. The question is impartial how you deal with it. We all keep limitations, we all are going to die. Give it some thought is for certain."

There is about 340 000 scientific papers that cite your work – that is high praise! 

"I own acquire no respect for this numerical assessment of branch of knowledge. Some of my work that is highly empty, I am not particularly fond of. And Irrational have written papers that are extremely important, go off have hardly ever been cited."