We certainly live in interesting times. Less than two weeks ago, on Darwins birthday, the scientists who have been sequencing the human genome — that is, deciphering all of the DNA in our chromosomes — announced to the world what they had found. The human genome contains some 3.2 billion bases, so its sequencing has… Read More »
One of the great science news stories of the decade is playing out right under our noses, largely unnoticed. Billions of dollars are being spent in laboratories in the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan in a frantic race to see if the secrets hidden within human genes can be revealed to the public… Read More »
Molecular biologists have long suspected that human chromosomes contain a lot of excess baggage. But no one suspected how much. The recent sequencing of the human genome, key elements of which were carried out by Bob Waterstons superb research team here in St Louis at Washington University, reveals a startling picture. Each of your cells… Read More »
Our view of the differences between the sexes has recently undergone radical revision. How do males and females differ? Seen through a biologists eyes, the most basic difference between males and females is that all females have two copies of the “so-called” X chromosome. The X chromosome is about the same size as other 22… Read More »
Last week Boston researchers Todd Golub and Eric Lander took a vital step towards treating cancer, using new DNA technology to sniff out the differences between different forms of cancer. One of the biggest decisions facing an oncologist (cancer doctor) treating a tumor is to select the proper treatment. Most cancer cells look alike, although… Read More »
DNA microchips will soon be able to reveal to anyone an accurate profile of your personality and potential All things change, I am told, but I greatly fear one change about to overcome us in the new millennium — loss of individual privacy. I don’t mean strangers listening through key holes or reading my e… Read More »
