An organism's genome refers to all the hereditary information encoded in its genes. Sequencing a complete genome, a gene, or a fragment of genetic material involves determining the order of its sub-units: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.
Scientists are using individuals' genetic sequences to map and catalog human genetic variation in order to improve understanding of human biology, disease susceptibility, and drug response. As costs falls rapidly, the scale and speed of gene sequencing is increasing. The Human Genome Project required thirteen years and $3 billion to sequence the first complete, general human genome. Subsequent projects, such as the International HapMap Project, examined genetic variation between population groups, raising concerns of giving undue biological significance to social categories of race.
Now, the sequencing of complete genomes of specific individuals is becoming almost routine. For example, the Personal Genome Project plans to sequence 100,000 genomes.
The Great Gene Hunt (cont'd)by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesSeptember 3rd, 2010Accurate reporting and headlines should not be noteworthy, but when it comes to genetics they are -- and Reuters got one right.
Kids swap DNA for fairground rides[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Ewen Callaway, Nature NewsSeptember 1st, 2010Researchers' efforts to collect samples at a fair raise ethical questions.
Marin Voice: Student guinea pigs at Cal?[Quotes CGS's Jesse Reynolds and Marcy Darnovsky]
[Opinion]by Alan Miller, The Marin Independent JournalAugust 23rd, 2010The best of plans do often go astray. Data from this study could be good for the university, but not end up serving the best interests of the students.
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