Hi my name is Emily Fletcher. I am a senior research life scientist with 20 years of international experience studying hereditary neurological disorders that affect children.

 

Recently someone asked me if ‘junk DNA’ - the parts that seemly have no function - can be accessed by humans to develop superpowers. The answer is yes, we can access junk DNA (we’re beginning to understand how), and perhaps develop superpowers, but nothing as sexy as X-ray vision. However, changes in our DNA can cause equally fascinating traits like the inability to feel pain. Throughout my career one question has formed the basis of my work: how do changes in our genetic code affect our behavior?  I have approached this question by studying protein pores that sit in our cell membranes called 'ion channels'. They control the electricity in our bodies that allow us to do everything like breathe, jump and even think! When ion channels do not work properly, they can cause different diseases and disorders. My mission is to unravel how ion channel function falters in childhood diseases, paving the way for the development of effective treatments. Read on to find out more!