Thanks neverdem. In before the nutjobs.
Posted on 08/31/2013 12:00:21 PM PDT by neverdem
WASHINGTON — It has been a decade since the human genome was first sequenced and the 3.2 billion rungs of our DNA ladder laid out for analysis.
That achievement — mapping the fundamental biological code that defines our species and characterizes us as individuals — may have implications as important as the splitting of the atom or the discovery of the wheel. We can already envision custom-designed medicines as well as custom-designed fetuses. There are ethical questions to be asked and scientific questions to be answered. And nothing about the subject is simple.
But credit “Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code,” an exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History here that opened in June, with being a bit of a pioneer in its own realm. It is smart, playful, and, while...
--snip--
The show was created in an unusual collaboration between the Smithsonian and the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and vetted by a board of genetic scientists. The main frustration is that given the immensity of its subject, the exhibition is too modest in size — about 4,400 square feet. It feels overly compressed, particularly in the space allowed for a crash video course in genetics — partly, perhaps, because it is designed to travel to other museums after it closes here. It may even be too successful; crowds on a recent weekday caused bottlenecks at displays and interactive screens...
--snip--
Genomic research doesn’t just identify the source of a disease or trait, though; it also has helped discover remedies. Short videos present miniature case histories. Perhaps the most powerful example shows twins who, as children, were thought to have cerebral palsy. Once it was shown that they were actually afflicted with genetically caused Segawa’s dystonia, proper medication almost miraculously eliminated the symptoms...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
and just think all that code was written by accident /s
They’re stealing our life code!
DNA freakuency will be affected!
They’re so full of it anyway — ABCs of DNA? The only common letter is the A. What jerks. ;’)
Recommended reading “Next” by Michael Crichton, 2006. This is a really frightening novel about the corporatization of the genome, and deprivation of individual property rights to one’s own genetic material.
I haven’t reached him yet, but he had my sweetheart in hysterics. Can’t wait.
Scientists Show How Antibiotics Enable Pathogenic Gut Infections
Prevention: Probiotics cut C. difficile risk
Experiment allows man to use his mind to control another’s movements
FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
