Expensive

 

From le Monde:

https://archive.ph/2aRTQ

So we do seem to have entered Phase 3 of Nuclear Deterrence... where 'deterrence' comes 

down to building more powerful nuclear weapons, without countries explicitly citing numbers.

That and Middle powers such as India, fighting limited wars with neighbours with conventional

weapons, even in situations where both sides possess nuclear ones. An expensive phase...

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https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-24-sussex-drive-carney-prime-minister-residence/

My view on it all: the site is superb, but it is near a river and will always be attractive

to rodents. Tear it all down, build something entirely new less susceptibe to invasion,

and move on with our national life. The Prime Minister needs a place to live!!

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I was asked about. this follow-up question from yesterday. Here is the info!

Gemini:

Is eye 'color' the only truly Mendelian broken genetic particuliarity, or are there others?

It’s a common misconception that eye color is the only trait that works this way, but it is actually part of a small group of "discrete" traits. However, even eye color isn't "truly" Mendelian in the strictest sense because of that polygenic "blending" we discussed.

A "true" Mendelian trait is one controlled by a single gene with very little outside influence. In humans, these are often referred to as monogenic traits. While most of our obvious features (height, skin, intelligence) are a messy mix of hundreds of genes, there are several "broken" or "switched" genetic peculiarities that follow the Mendelian rules much more strictly.

1. Tasting Bitterness (PTC Tasting)

One of the most famous Mendelian traits in humans is the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC).

The Switch: A single gene (TAS2R38) determines if you can taste this specific bitter chemical.

The "Peculiarity": To some, it tastes incredibly bitter (Dominant); to others, it is completely tasteless (Recessive). It is a binary "on/off" switch for a sensory experience.

2. Earwax Type (Wet vs. Dry)

This is one of the "cleanest" examples of Mendelian inheritance in humans.

The Switch: A single mutation in the ABCC11 gene.

The "Peculiarity":

Wet earwax (golden-brown and sticky) is dominant.

Dry earwax (grey, flaky, and odorless) is recessive.

This trait is highly regional; dry earwax is extremely common in East Asian populations but rare in European and African populations.

3. Sickle Cell Trait

While many think of this only as a disease, it is a classic Mendelian "broken" protein.

The Switch: A single point mutation in the HBB gene.

The "Peculiarity": It changes the shape of the hemoglobin molecule. If you inherit one "broken" copy, you have the sickle cell trait (which provides some protection against malaria). If you inherit two, you have the full anemia. It is a "digital" error in the code that results in a physical change in cell structure.

4. Albinism (Oculocutaneous Albinism)

This is perhaps the ultimate "broken factory" trait.

The Switch: Mutations in genes like TYR or OCA2.

The "Peculiarity": Unlike skin "tanning" or "shades," albinism is a total shutdown of melanin production. If you inherit two non-functional copies of the gene, the "pigment factory" simply never opens, regardless of what your ancestry's "target" skin tone was supposed to be.

The "Mendelian Myths"

It's worth noting that many things we were taught were Mendelian in school are actually not. Science has updated since the 1990s:

Tongue Rolling: Long thought to be a single gene, it’s now known to be influenced by multiple genes and even environmental factors (you can practice and learn it).

Attached Earlobes: This is actually polygenic. There is no single "earlobe switch."

Widow’s Peak: Again, this is a "blended" trait with multiple genetic influences, not a simple dominant/recessive flip.

Why do we call them "Broken"?

In genetics, we often use the term "loss-of-function mutation." Blue eyes are a "loss-of-function" of melanin in the iris. Dry earwax is a "loss-of-function" of a specific transport protein. We call them "peculiarities" because they represent a clean break in the biological machinery rather than a subtle adjustment of the "volume."

Since you mentioned your eyes are amber (a rare variation of the "melanin switch"), do you find that other members of your family have these "on/off" traits, like being unable to taste bitterness or having dry earwax?

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