Today is: 11 March, 2010

genetics

Archon X Prize for Genomics

Description: 

The Archon X PRIZE for Genomics challenges scientists and engineers to create better, cheaper and faster ways to sequence genomes. A $10 million prize
for the first team to successfully sequence 100 human genomes in 10 days.

Surprise: Humans Have Greater Differences in DNA Than Previously Thought

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Scientists say that surprisingly many large chunks of human DNA differ among individuals and ethnic groups. The research also suggests that humans have less DNA in common with chimpanzees, our closest living relative, than is widely supposed. See also: Globe and Mail.

Brain evolution gene found?

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The scientists still don't know specifically what the gene does. But they know that this same gene turns on in human fetuses at seven weeks after conception and then shuts down at 19 weeks.

Scientists recreate ancient gene

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By engineering its genetic blueprint, they have rebuilt a gene that was present in primitive animals.

Rice paddy methane producers genetic code sequenced

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The genetic code of an important group of methane-producing microbes has been sequenced by German scientists. The researchers believe the study, could lead to ways to control the microbes. The question is, should we?

Identical Twins Can Be Geneticially Different

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Sometimes only one twin will have health problems when genetics predicts both of them should.

Mice That Are Immune to Cancer?

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A Wakefield researcher may have found a strain of mice immune to cancer.

Of Mice and Mammoths

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In news of the odd connection today, sciencetists may have learned something new about mammoth fur by examining mouse genes.

We may not be entirely human

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Bacteria are so important to key functions such as digestion and the immune system that we may be truly symbiotic organisms -- relying on one another for life itself, the scientists write in Friday's issue of the journal Science.

Surprise - RNA may play a role in heredity

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RNA, previously believed to be responsible only for the creation of proteins, may actually be involved in heredity as well.

Possible interbreeding between chimps, humans

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An analysis of our genetic history suggests speciation from chimpanzees may not have been a clean break.

English, Welsh, two genetically different people

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Gene scientists claim to have found proof that the Welsh are the "true" Britons.

British woman pregnant with cancer-gene-free 'designer baby'

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A British woman has become the first in the country to conceive a "designer baby" selected specifically to avoid an inherited cancer, The Times said Saturday.

As the Future Catches You

cover of As the Future Catches YouAs the Future Catches You: How Genomics & Other Forces Are Changing Your Life, Work, Health & Wealth

author: Juan Enriquez
rating:
asin: 0609609033
binding: Hardcover
list price: $24.95 USD
amazon price: $12.00 USD


When I first received this book and flipped through it, I was seriously tempted to send it back unread. The typesetting is... creative to say the least - lots of white space, multiple fonts, scattershot graphics. Indeed,it looks like you've received an extra long email from someone who's just discovered how to play with all the format settings. Given that I'd purchased a hard cover book at hard cover prices, I felt ripped off.

However, I decided to read it anyway, and I'm glad I did. It's a short read, but a wild ride, and it's packed with information about the biotech and economic revolution we're just getting into. There are lots of facts and figures to consider, and the author does an excellent job of providing thought-provoking analogies that may change the way you look at some things.

One man's trash DNA...

Description: 

A mathematical analysis of the human genome suggests that so-called "junk DNA" might not be so useless after all.

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