A Star is Born

Data derived from the Science Watch/Hot Papers database and the Web of Science (ISI, Philadelphia) show that Hot Papers are cited 50 to 100 times more often than the average paper of the same type and age. M. Adams et al., "The genome sequence of Drosophila melanogaster," Science, 287:2185-95, March 24, 2000. (Cited in 711 papers) G.M. Rubin et al., "Comparative genomics of the eurkaryotes," Science, 287:2204-15. (Cited in 333 papers)  In 1999, Celera Genomics Group wanted to complete

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In 1999, Celera Genomics Group wanted to complete the human genome sequence. The company developed a novel method it called whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing; researchers believed it would revolutionize the process of sequencing. Moreover, the company had also just opened up a new facility, with 300 brand-new, out-of-the-box automated DNA sequencers, plus a crew of 50 to staff them. Yet instead of hitting the ground running, Celera decided to sequence a simpler genome, thereby simultaneously achieving proof of concept for WGS sequencing while working out the kinks of its new facility.

The oft-studied Drosophila melanogaster fit the bill. "Drosophila is about 5% of the size of the human genome," says Mark Adams, Celera's vice president of bioinformatics and a key author on both Hot Papers.1,2 "From that perspective, when we looked at the number of days [delay] to complete the human genome by virtue of having done Drosophila first, ...

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