Suave , predatory Count Dracula , diabolic - looking Nosferatu , and glittery but conflicted Edward Cullen – vampires take many forms , but a hunger for descent and an distaste to sunlight run to be their defining characteristics .
The Bible " vampyre " first appeared in the English language sometime in the 18th century , but their origins go back much further . The forerunners to the modern - solar day vampire can be found inAncient Hellenic and Mesotopian folklore , and you could find myths of demonic bloodsucking creature in cultures all over the earth . There ’s thepeuchenin Chile , theJiangshiin China , theBaobhan Sithin Scotland , and the list goes on .
Most of us will check that vampire are n’t real . Still , as in most cases , there is some fact to the fabrication . One of the things that has been linked to vampirism is a blood disorder callederythropoietic protoporphyria ( EPP ) .
EPP is the third most vernacular type of porphyria and the most common to occur during childhood . Sufferers are extremely sensible to light , to the tip of burning and blister when they ’re disclose to sunlight .
" citizenry with EPP are inveterate anemic , which makes them find very tired and look very wan with increased photosensitivity because they ca n’t get along out in the daytime , " saysBarry Paw , MD , of the Dana - Farber / Boston Children ’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center . " Even on a cloudy day , there ’s enough ultraviolet Light Within to make blistering and disfiguration of the disclose body voice , ears and nose . "
A modern - twenty-four hour period patient would be advised to stick around indoors during daylight 60 minutes and they may be dictate rip blood transfusion with sufficient heme level to cut symptom . But back in gothic and ancient times , before mod medicine , they might have deform to creature blood and only do out at night to attempt to relieve symptom on their own .
Now in a study published in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , researchers report a newly discovered genetic mutation that is responsible for EPP , suggesting a biological mechanics behind the vampire myth .
" This freshly - discovered chromosomal mutation really highlights the complex genic connection that underpins heme metabolism , " saysPaw , a co - senior author on the field . " going - of - function mutations in any number of genes that are part of this web can result in annihilative , disfiguring disorders . "
Aside from it being a fascinating account for vampirism , the researchers hope this insight can run to therapy that correct the faulty gene in people with EPP .
" Although vampire are n’t genuine , there is a real want for innovative therapy to better the lives of the great unwashed with porphyrias , " saysPaw .
