Human mind can accept the idea that in addition to classical triplet code some other, “second genetic code” could exist. And its discovery, of course, would be a great scientific sensation. But the human mind can not possibly imagine that there could be several different codes. This is why every newly discovered code (and there are, actually, many) is called by the same generic name “second genetic code”. The second codes, indeed, all different, have been solemnly announced six times (1-6), in 1988, 2001, 2001, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Another, well known feature of human mind is fading memory. This is illustrated by the above time series. The sensational discoveries are honored by the traditional title of the “second genetic code”, and only the amnesia keeps the discoverers from making grimaces.

What is good about the amnesia, however, it encourages to make yet new sensational discoveries (as by the short memory perception none are made before).

Will the sevenths Second Genetic Code be discovered? (Chicken would give all previous codes different numbers, as it counts till seven).

References

1. G. Kolata, Second Genetic Code Deciphered, Solving a Protein Synthesis Puzzle. New York Times, May 13 (1988).
2. Second genetic code could provide clues to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder. CBCNews March 12 (2008).
3. E. Young, Packaging proteins may be second genetic code. New scientist August 9 (2001).
4. N. Wade, Scientists Say They’ve Found a Code Beyond Genetics in DNA . New York Times July 25 (2006).
5. T. Hughes, Cracking the Second Genetic Code. The FASEB Journal 22,262-268. (2008).
6. J. R. Tejedor, J. Valcárcel, Breaking the second genetic code. Nature May 6 (2010)