The human genome and other initiatives
Article Abstract:
The goal of ordering all the deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) present in the human genome became realistic with the development of techniques for sequencing DNA. However, several problems have become evident. The amount of money available for research has been reduced by Congress. This has created competition among scientists working on the project, rather than cooperation, which is necessary for the project to be successful. The total number of research grants that are funded annually has fallen from more than 6,000 to 4,600. Of the total grants received, the number that are funded has dropped from more than 40 percent to less than 25 percent. The monies given to grants that are funded are being cut by 10 to 20 percent. The consequence of this lack of funds is that the research cannot be continued to the same extent as before, and young people are being discouraged from careers in science. The human genome project was to be provided with additional money from Congress, besides that which is allocated for biomedical research, but it appears that Congress is now reevaluating the budget. There are doubts that there is justification for the human genome project. Over 95 percent of the genome does not code for genes that are associated with a function or disease. The analysis of the structure of the complete genome will not advance health or life sciences as much as the study of individual genes that have a known function. The human genome project is now postponed, and will be reevaluated in five years. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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Norwalk virus genome cloning and characterization
Article Abstract:
Acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) can be the result of infection with Norwalk virus or other viruses that resemble the Norwalk virus. The disease is one of the most common illnesses in the United States, and it is estimated that approximately 42 percent of the cases are caused by Norwalk or Norwalk-like viruses. The viruses can be spread by contaminated food and water. Large epidemics have occurred after consumption of contaminated shellfish, especially clams and oysters. The virus has been isolated from human stool samples, but is usually present in low concentrations. It has not been possible to grow the virus in tissue culture, so studies on the virus have been limited. The Norwalk virus was genetically cloned and its genetic material analyzed. The virus contains RNA (ribonucleic acid) and contained a gene which would code for an enzyme known as the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which is essential for the replication of RNA viruses. Since the Norwalk virus has been cloned, sensitive diagnostic assays can be developed, the genes and proteins of the virus can be studied further, and perhaps a vaccine can be developed against the Norwalk virus. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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Managing the genome data deluge
Article Abstract:
Molecular scientists are increasing their use of computer technology to control and interpret the growing amount of data being produced by the Human Genome Project and other studies. Both centralized and federated systems are being developed to integrate data bases.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1993
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