Telltale genes

Something from April's National Geographic magazine under the title "The Greatest Journey" by James Shreeve:

...mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), is passed down intact from mother to child. Similarly, most of the Y chromosome, which determines maleness, travels intact from father to son. [p.62]

So what is the significance of mtDNA and the Y chromosomes? The article went on to explain:

...by comparing the mtDNA and Y chromosomes of people from various populations, geneticists can get a rough idea of where and when those people parted ways in the great migrations around the planet... Scientists now calculate that all living humans are related to a single woman who lived roughly 150,000 years ago in Africa, a "mitochondrial Eve." She was not the only woman alive at the time, but if geneticists are right, all of humanity is linked to Eve through an unbroken chain of mothers. Mitochondrial Eve was soon joined by "Y chromosome Adam," an analogous father of us all, also from Africa. Increasingly refined DNA studies have confirmed this opening chapter of our story over and over: All the variously shaped and shaded people of Earth trace their ancestry to African hunter-gatherers. [p.62]

Surprised with this conclusion made by geneticists? Muslims shouldn't be. Here's one of the reasons why:

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things). [Al-Hujurat (49): 13]

Get the National Geographic magazine and read the article.

And while you're at it, get Maurice Bucaille's What is the Origin of Man? as well as Harun Yahya's Why Darwinism is Incompatible with the Qur'an.

Read, and be enlightened!

Eurycoma longiforia causes insomnia?

This post is perhaps not a current issue, but a matter of health interest, I suppose. Back when I was an undergraduate, I had this problem of not being able to sleep when my mind is active. My personal record of going awake without sleep was 62 hours - 10 hours short of 3 days running. When I returned home after graduating, insomnia was not much of a problem. From time to time, I'd have difficulties sleeping, but it was just temporary. But of course, this is all in the past.

For the past couple of months, I have been spending my weekends travelling up north and back to KL. I end up being exhausted when the new week begins. Someone suggested that I should try kopi tongkat ali, but I can't take coffee as it causes migraine. So, I tried teh tongkat ali instead. I bought the tea with tongkat ali extract last night, and drank a mug at about 10 p.m.

It's almost a quarter past 9 p.m. now (almost 24 hours) since I took the drink. Believe it or not, I have not slept yet since yesterday. I haven't felt sleepy nor tired nor groggy nor light-headed.

Yes, I wanted extra energy, but if drinking a mug of Eurycoma longiforia tea gives me the energy to stay up for more than 24 hours... and still counting, I personally think that this is not the least bit healthy.

Thoughts anyone?

Of hailstones and golden rain

Remember the Malay adage "hujan batu di negeri sendiri, hujan emas di negeri orang"?

Realise how we often complain about how things are terrible and horrible here in our country?

Well, this is so often the case until and unless we see the state of affairs in other countries. I had the privilege to visit several countries in the past 3 years. Not counting the UK where I lived for 5 years, and not counting the countries where I stopped for transit (India, Italy), I have been to 2 North African countries (Algeria, Egypt) as well as the biggest Muslim country (Indonesia).

What I can say is that when you have been to these countries, you'll realise that we're indeed very lucky. Sure, we are not perfect. But that doesn't mean that we're in the pits. Things could be better, but it won't get better if we just complain.

I think once in a while we should take time out to count our blessings. Oft-times we only remember these blessings when we no longer have them.

Indonesia may be the biggest Muslim country. Algeria may be a country with a rich and colourful history. Egypt may be the cradle of civilisation. But believe you me, from where I'm standing, we are indeed more blessed compared to them.

Hailstones indeed...

Tin Man's new lease of life

Organ donation has always been a tough issue to tackle. Since 1998, I've had my fair share of talks that I had to give to people across the country. All this while, my talks have been pretty academic, never one based on experience, that is until I met Fikri.

Fikri was going to sit for his PMR exam when I first met him last year at IJN. I was there to deliver my routine talk on organ donation. When I saw the boy, I was speechless. His determination to sit for the exam, his love of science, and his fight to live --- really humbled me.

It was then that I realised - truly realised - the importance of organ donation. I met Fikri again shortly after he sat for his PMR exam. That was many months ago, but I haven't seen him since, although his mother updates me on his progress. Alhamdulillah, Fikri got a new heart in December, and has recently been allowed to finally go home, after 7 months in IJN.

I hope to meet up with him soon. Fikri has been given a new lease of life. He, insya-Allah, will have a long future to look forward to. And I hope Fikri will continue to have that zest that kept him going all this while.

For us, let us consider the test that Fikri and his mother had to go through. If not for the heart donated to Fikri, he may still be dependent on IVAD (the so-called mechanical heart, giving Fikri the nickname "The Tin Man"). Let us put ourselves in Fikri's shoes. Would we be able to withstand the years of agony, of pain, of waiting, of knowing that today might be your last?

I have talked and written a lot on this issue. And I will keep on talking and writing about it. But at the same time, I want to translate my words (spoken or written) into action. I am an organ pledger. When the time comes and if it is fated, I would like to be a donor.

As stated by Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, on the issue of organ donation, it's better to donate your organs to a person who is in need, rather than let the organ be eaten by worms.

Wallahu'alam.

Third time's the charm?

This is my third attempt at blogging. The first one just didn't pick up. The second one went quiet after I was 'disconnected' from the 'Net for nearly 3 months. I hope this third attempt will pick up some steam and be able to be sustained.

So, let's hear from you out there. Give your comments and views, but NO VULGARITIES please. Differences in views and opinions are welcomed, but please, please be courteous and observe the ethics of differing views (adab al-khilaf).