Richard Preston, writing in the current issue of the New Yorker, introduces the reader to people who have a rare genetic condition called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. He finds them to be engaging and likeable people with behaviors that are both self-destructive and frightening. (Among other things, they bite off parts of their lips and fingers.)

“Decades after the discovery of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, it is still mysterious. It is perhaps the clearest example of a simple change in the human DNA which leads to a striking, comprehensive change in behavior….

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome seems to be a window onto the deepest parts of the human mind, offering glimpses of the mechanics of the genetic code operating on thought and personality.

Because Lesch-Nyhan is not common, researchers have difficulty getting funding and attention for it. Available at newsstands, not on the internet.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 9th, 2007 at 12:26 pm and is filed under genetics, medicine, research news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.