Scientists and biologists went down to the depths of the sea to explore the corals with the gene of producing a far-red fluorescent protein. David Gruber and his diving team discovered that this protein has only been spotted at the depths of the sea, but still high enough for photosynthesis to occur. They discovered 28 of the 120 fluorescent proteins, and one of them was the far-red protein they were searching for. Why was it so important? That protein revolutionized medical research and illuminated the inner workings of the brain. Tchernov and Pieribone, two scientists, discovered that same protein can also monitor the activity of single neutrons. They are now aiming to further understand the biology and genetics of deep water corals and also to conserve them as best as possible.This discovery science because there was no previous knowledge that showed what the far-red fluorescent protein could be used for.
This article is important because of the discoveries of the 28 fluorescent proteins and because one of them could be used in the branch of medicine to monitor the brain.
Author: David Gruber
Article: Exploring the Genetics of Deep Coral Reefs
Journal: National Geographic
Date Published: Dec. 13, 2010
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