Kinome
A subset of the genome consisting of the protein kinase genes. The complete complement of over 500 protein kinases constitutes one of the largest of all human gene families. Protein kinases act as key regulators of cell function by catalyzing (facilitating) the addition of a negatively charged phosphate group to proteins. This process of protein phosphorylation, in turn, regulates protein function in both normal and disease states.
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- Kinsey Report
A report entitled “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male” published by Alfred Charles Kinsey’s in 1948 that attracted great attention. The Kinsey Report, as it was known, was based on extensive interviews with 18,500 subjects. The Report revealed that many practices considered “sexual perversions” were in common usage. Kinsey (1894-1956), a sociologist, was widely praised […]
- Kinship
Relationship by marriage or, specifically, a blood tie.
- Kirklin, John W.
American cardiovascular surgeon (1920-2004) who improved and applied the heart-lung machine to open heart surgery. Dr. Kirklin refined the Gibbon heart-lung machine (an apparatus developed by John H. Gibbon) to circulate blood while the heart was stopped during surgery. In the 1950’s, Dr. Kirklin did heart operations with the improved machine. Dr. Kirklin also used […]
- Kiss
A touch or caress with the lips. “The anatomical juxtaposition of two orbicularis oris muscles in a state of contraction.” — Henry Gibbons, Sr., MD (1808-1884) (This definition does not apply universally as a kiss can also refer to the single application of one’s lips against anything else.)
- Kissing bug - MedicineNet
The insect that transmits the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis). The bug “kisses” people, especially babies, on the lips while they are asleep, infecting them with the parasite. The bug (technically a reduviid bug) lives in cracks and holes of substandard housing in South and Central America. The bug becomes infected […]