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  • EADD Moderators: Pissed_and_messed | Shinji Ikari

Gibberings CXCIV: Come on, mods. Let's go wild with this.

Ozzy Osbourne genome sequenced
Genetic analysis of Black Sabbath star reveals he is more likely to experience hallucinations on marijuana and has increased risk of alcohol and cocaine addiction, researchers say
Ozzy-Osbourne-with-wife-S-006.jpg



In the continuing quest to understand Ozzy Osbourne, scientists have finally unravelled the singer's most microscopic mystery: his genes. Following in the footsteps of mice and mammoths, Osbourne had his full genome sequenced and analysed by American researchers, who uncovered mutations related to addiction, metabolism, and Osbourne's Neanderthal ancestors.

"I've always said that at the end of the world there will be roaches, Ozzy and Keith Richards," said Sharon, Osbourne's wife, at a press conference announcing the findings. "He's going to outlive us all. That fascinated me." Reps for a genetics firm called Knome approached the Black Sabbath frontman in 2007, asking if he'd consider joining Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates and DNA co-discoverer James Watson as one of the few human beings to have had their individual genomes sequenced. Osbourne finally consented, giving scientists a blood sample. "I was curious," he explained to the Sunday Times. "Given the swimming pools of booze I've guzzled over the years – not to mention all of the cocaine, morphine, sleeping pills, cough syrup, LSD, Rohypnol … you name it – there's really no plausible medical reason why I should still be alive. Maybe my DNA could say why."

For the moment, the Osbourne genome offers as many questions as answers. "Ozzy carries several hundred thousand variants that have never been seen by scientists," Nathaniel Pearson, Knome's director of research, told Scientific American. "It's going to be a while before we get enough data as a society to understand those variants."

"Many of the variants in his genome are about how the brain processes dopamine," he continued. Osbourne is 2.6 times more likely to experience hallucinations while on marijuana, has an increased risk of cocaine addiction and "an increased predisposition for alcohol dependence of something like six times higher", Pearson said. Osbourne's genes also suggest that he is slow to metabolise coffee. "Ozzy's kryptonite is caffeine," a Knome rep explained. A functioning change to the singer's TTN gene, which has been linked to the nervous system, may be connected to Osbourne's hearing or to his tremors.

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"Here's a guy who's rocking heavy metal for decades and he can still hear," said Jorge Conde, Knome's chief executive. "It would be interesting to know if this gene may impact that. [Or] his Parkinsonian tremor – it's hard to know if that is from his genes or from years of hard living."

Furthermore, Osbourne's got a genetic sliver that once belonged to homo sapiens' extinct cousins, the Neanderthals. "For a long time we thought that Neanderthals didn't have any descendents today, but it turns out that Asians and Europeans have some evidence of Neanderthal lineage – like a drop in the bucket," Pearson said. "We found a little segment on Ozzy's chromosome 10 that very likely traces back to a Neanderthal forebear."

"We also looked at [Knome] founder George Church and he has about three times as much [Neanderthal] as Ozzy does," Pearson added. To this, Sharon Osbourne's response was swift: "I'd like to meet him."

Ozzy Osbourne turns 62 next month.

All tabloidy Ozzinesses aside, that does actually sound like genuinely fascinating and potentially very useful things could one day come out of this however PR-stunty it's being spun.
 
^ Keith Richards would definitely be another ineresting genome I'm sure. Then again, I'm sure we all are - there's a hullava lot going in in there no matter who you are really.

lol :) the bells the bells the fucking bells

Somewhat randomly, was talking about that with my Good Lady Sadie t'other day and apparently she shares my childhood extreme terror at The Hunchback of Notre Dame - perhaps more specifically of a (presumably TV movie) made of it sometime during the early 80s. Scared the crap out of me for some reason.
 
Have you ever considered approaching muchosucko.com for some form of full-time position? They're defintely missing a trick in their marketing department.

After "recent events" I'm still yet to be convinced your linkies don't require fumigating as well as NSFW tages though ;)
 
Morning everyone!

I agree, Foolsy, it's like you're planning for your next ban lol.

They might just add a special ban time for you, Evey. How's three years sound? :P
 
Why is it morning??? I want more sleep alas I am working a 9 hour shift shortly. Begs the shower wakes me up shortly or else I'm gonna be one bitchy girl today. GAH!

Shambles.... You were up way too late. Naughty! You've been told off!


How is everyone on this horribly bright and sunny morning?? I'm starting to question living in Scotland these days. It should never be this sunny!
 
sounds like your after banning there evey

o and morning people

No. I'm proud of myself. I've gone two months n ten days without an Infraction. I was getting one every month so I must be doing something right. We must acknowledge our achievements - even if they're only online ones. We all put ourselves down enough eh?!

I'm seriously pleased with myself :)

Evey
 
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