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Project Launched to Map Genes of 1,000 People

Controversial international genome project

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2008 6:52 AM CST
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(Newser) – An international project to sequence the genomes of at least 1,000 people has begun at three research institutes in England, China and the US. The information gathered in the "1,000 Genomes Project " will be used to create a reference map of genetic variations. "This is going to have a profound impact on our ability to understand the risk factors underlying disease," said the director of  one of the participating centers, the National Human Genome Research Institute in Maryland.

 But some critics question how accurate the finished genomes will be, given the project's short timeline and relatively low $50 million budget, reports Nature News. They also argue that basic physical information, like weight, and data gleaned from medical records should be coordinated with genetic information to develop true clues into disease.

Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute.
Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute.   (National Human Genome Research Institute)
The 1,000 Genome Project will study the minute DNA variations among human beings. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
The 1,000 Genome Project will study the minute DNA variations among human beings. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)   (Associated Press)
The genome or genetic map of 1,000 people will be studied in detail over the next three years at three world renowned reserach institutions.
The genome or genetic map of 1,000 people will be studied in detail over the next three years at three world renowned reserach institutions.   (Getty)
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1000 Genome project

Project to map 1,000 people's DNA
Telegraph (UK)

World genome project promotes research on human diseases
Xinhua (China)

The Genome in high resolution
Wired

International effort to catalogue DNA of 1000 people
AFP

 
DNA • genes • human genome • 1000 Genome Project • Beijing Genomics Institute • Sanger Institute • National Human Genome Research Institute • International HapMap Project • Personal Genome Project

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