The phrase “degrees of Kevin Bacon” is actually a play on the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” game that was popularized in the 1990s. The game is based on the “six degrees of separation” concept, which posits that any two people on Earth are six or fewer acquaintance links apart.
The “degrees of Kevin Bacon” gene likely refers to a scientific study where genes or genetic traits are modeled or connected in a manner similar to the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” game. For instance, a certain gene may have connections with many other genes defining its functionalities, and these properties might have been mapped out, similar to how an actor’s connections to Kevin Bacon would be mapped out in the game.
Without specific context or details though, it’s hard to provide an accurate translation or explanation of what this phrase might mean. It can be a title for a genetic study, a nickname for a specific gene, or even a reference to a research method. In any case, it combines elements of pop culture and genetic science in its terminology.