(Click on the front page image to download the full article) Abstract: Metamorphmagi have the ability to change their physical characteristics at will, without requiring the use of potions or spells. As such, metamorphmagi skin contains morphologically and functionally distinct properties from non-metamorphmagi skin, providing metamorphagi with heightened skin flexibility and durability. However, previous studies that have examined metamorphmagi are largely qualitative or anecdotal. Thus, we aimed to quantitatively compare metamorphmagi skin to non-metamorphmagi skin and examine the genetic causes underlying metamorphmagi-specific skin characteristics.. We performed histology on cross-sections of skin and quantitatively demonstrated that the epidermis and dermis of…

(Click on the front page image to download the full article) Abstract: Current literature lacks a consensus on the mechanism of biological inheritance of magical abilities. Past findings have suggested that the presence of restriction enzyme digestion sites in WZRD-1 are associated with variations in human magical abilities. In this study, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed to characterize the genetic sequence of WZRD-1 in 610 Canadian subjects. These individuals were divided into three cohorts as determined by their magical abilities and blood status. Four genetic variants within WZRD-1 were identified, and the genotypic and allelic frequencies were determined for…

Annals of Praetachoral Mechanics (2016). Vol 2. Advanced online publication. download pdf ABSTRACT This study provides further investigations into the wizarding potion known commonly as the Polyjuice potion; and specifically to assess the contribution of the known fluxweed protein, NucSh. NucSh has been previously shown, via co-immunoprecipitation experiments, to be part of the PhageCrux Complex, which in turn appears to be key for many major transformative magic related properties. Other studies have also shown that the principle factor of this Auror favorite is possibly related to a symbiotically absorbed and retained bacteriophage present in Lacewing flies (Borage et al, 2009).…

Annals of Praetachoral Mechanics (2016). Vol 2. Advanced online publication. download pdf ABSTRACT For more than 100 years, those suffering from werewolfism have relied on the Wolfsbane Potion to maintain cognitive abilities during transformation. Recent developments in biotechnology and biochemistry have allowed for in-depth study of the chemistry and genetics of magical plants such as Aconitum alupus, the most important herbal component of Wolfsbane Potion. A recent study identified mesaconitine as the potion-active metabolite of A. alupus, though the details of its biosynthesis have not yet been elucidated. In this paper we reported the discovery of the gene SANEW which…

Annals of Praetachoral Mechanics (2016). Vol 2. Advanced online publication. download pdf ABSTRACT From the limited number of studies previously done on Squibidity, there is great potential for advancements that would further our understanding of this disorder, and which would benefit both magical and non-magical people. Squibidity, is one of the most mysterious conditions to affect the Wizarding world. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of every 1200 individuals, who are born into a Wizarding family, are affected. The severity of this condition varies, but most individuals with this phenotype lack the ability to perform magic of any kind,…