A Flood in Genomics

Nine months have passed since draft sequences of the human genome were first published.1,2 One human gestation period later, the genome, as deciphered by the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium, still screams toward its projected Spring 2003 finish date. "The trajectory we're on for meeting that goal is precisely on target," assures Francis Collins, director, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and spokesperson for the largest public biological science project in histor

Written byBrendan Maher

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According to Collins, 55 percent of the genome is in completed form and 42 percent is in draft form. Chromo- somes 20 and Y are finished and being written up, with 6, 7, and 14 close behind. Each is sure to offer new insights to human health and life itself. But as the torrents of genomic data continue to pour in from the human genome and a myriad of other organisms, scientists are forced to valuate the data before them. As a tool for basic researchers, the human genome has been well used. Both publications on the draft genome have been cited in more than 350 papers, according to the Web of Science, ISI, Philadelphia. Yet, financial onlookers say that pharmaceutical companies may be choked by the wealth of data. And still, the flood continues as projects in proteomics and transcriptomics open up new holes in the dam.

"In the ...

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