The video's creator is providing an update on their lactose intolerance gene therapy project, which they first attempted two years ago using a genetically modified virus to introduce a lactase gene into their intestinal lining. The treatment was effective for 18 months, but eventually wore off as expected due to the rapid growth and division of intestinal tissue.
The creator is now working on a new version of the therapy that uses a human lactase gene and a different delivery method, involving the use of a chemical called chitin to bind to the DNA and facilitate its uptake by cells. The new version is designed to be safer, cheaper, and easier to produce than the original.
The creator is releasing the DNA sequence for the new therapy under a Creative Commons license, allowing others to modify and use it, and is asking for feedback and suggestions from the scientific community. However, they caution against testing the therapy on humans without proper testing and clinical trials.
The video also mentions the creator's other projects, including a spider silk project, and invites viewers to support their research through Patreon and other means.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The author created a genetically modified virus to attempt to cure their lactose intolerance.
2. The virus was designed to deliver a lactase gene to the intestinal lining, allowing the body to break down lactose.
3. The author took the virus two years ago and it was effective in curing their lactose intolerance for 18 months.
4. The author's body eventually stopped producing the lactase enzyme, and they had to start taking lactase pills again.
5. The original study that inspired the author's experiment was conducted on rats and showed promising results.
6. The author's results matched the study's findings, with the virus remaining effective for six months and the lactase enzyme being produced for 18 months.
7. The author is now working on a new version of the virus that uses a different delivery method and a human lactase gene.
8. The new version of the virus uses a chemical called chitin, derived from shrimp shells, to deliver the DNA to the intestinal lining.
9. Chitin has been extensively studied as a safe and effective method for delivering DNA to patients.
10. The new version of the virus also uses a human promoter to regulate the expression of the lactase gene.
11. The author has uploaded the DNA file for the new version of the virus to GitHub and is seeking feedback and suggestions for improvement.
12. The author is releasing the DNA under a Creative Commons license, allowing others to use and modify it.
13. The author is not seeking to test the new version of the virus on humans at this time, but rather to refine and improve it through further research and testing.
14. The author is working on other projects, including a spider silk project, and is seeking support through Patreon and other means.