By Pooja Kadaba Ranganath
Edited by Simon Bakke

Flies, humans, and tomatoes have approximately the same number of genes in their genomes — but humans are clearly a complex species when compared to flies or tomatoes. One aspect of the human genome that I study, called Long non-coding ribonucleic acid molecules (referred to as LncRNA), can potentially explain the complexity of human life!

​Our cells have deoxyribonucleic acid (referred to as DNA) and the DNA has a code, which makes RNA. Unlike regular RNA, non-coding RNAs don’t form proteins in our body. What’s sad and a bit unfortunate is that scientists have been ignoring these RNA molecules for decades, focusing solely on protein-coding genes, which accounts for 2-3% of our DNA. So why has 98% of our genome been ignored by researchers?

By Amy Aines, CEO of Damianakes Communications 

When it comes to getting your ideas heard, the words you choose and your timing can make all the difference.  So can using influence to bring people into your ideas. In part two of this blog (read part one), you’ll get practical tips on how to frame your ideas and build support for getting them adopted. 

My motto is Words Matter.  When it comes to expressing your ideas there are some words that you should never say.  They shut people down.  Don’t offer up an idea and add “that’s the way we always have done it”.  

Another taboo is bringing up the name of the last company you worked for every time you offer up an idea.  I know a man who spent decades as one of the top scientists at Dupont.  When he joined the leadership team at a company I work with, he often got the eye roll because he prefaced his ideas with “When I was at Dupont.” It’s ok to reference your past experience. People value wisdom gained elsewhere.  I do it by saying something like: “I remember considering a similar decision a few years ago.”  Then I focus on the rationale and what I learned from the prior situation to set the stage for my recommendations.