Pokemon Gene

By Mike Lin

A little while ago some cancer researchers decided it would be funny give the name ‘Pokemon’ to a protein that plays a key role in the development of cancer. ‘Pokemon’ was of course short for ‘POK erythroid myeloid ontogenic factor’ but the company responsible for the Pokemon cartoon, video games etc. didn’t see it that way, and because of all the ‘Pokemon Causes Cancer’ headlines, has since got them to change the name to Zbtb7. Had this alteration not happened, the following scene would have taken place in the near future:

(A Doug and Barbara, who are thinking of having a baby, meet with their doctor to discuss the results of their precautionary genetic screening)

Doctor: We received the test results, and I have to inform you that, Doug, you have the Pokemon gene.

Doug: Pokemon? Better not let the word out, or everyone will be trying to catch me.

Barbara: I may not have caught them all, but at least I caught you honey.

Doctor: (laughs) I wonder what you’ll evolve into next?

Doug: If I evolve from a Pikachu into a Raichu, does that mean I’ll start having to act my age?

Barbara: I can’t wait to tell my friends our baby will the half Pokemon.

Doctor: Seriously though, you won’t live past 40.

…

Disclaimer: It is wrong to laugh at cancer. I hope those researchers learned this, and you should too.