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Genetics: Human Genetics
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Biologists at Washington University are making advances in genetics in plants, mammals (including people), bacteria, algae and viruses. Applications include improved human health, a safer, cleaner agriculture, the engineering of benign organisms to deliver drugs, and a better understanding of plant and ecosystem history, to name a few. Chemists and biomedical engineers ... make contributions to genetics studies. The Department of Computer Science has numerous researchers contributing to advances in bioinformatics and computational genomics, which increase the understanding of different organisms.
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Specifically, SEQUENOM will identify high-impact genes associated with human diseases using its pioneering population genetics approach. CuraGen will apply its platform of proteomic technologies to further enhance candidate disease genes identified by SEQUENOM and to identify potential therapeutic intervention points by examining networks of protein interactions within important disease-related pathways. CuraGen will ... enhance its own targets using SEQUENOM's single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technologies and population genetics approach. The Companies expect that this collaborative research will further enable the identification and validation of key targets for drug discovery.
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Behavioral genetics studies the influence of varying genetics on animal behavior. Behavioral genetics studies the effects of human disorders as well as its causes. Behavioral genetics has yielded some very interesting questions about the evolution of various behaviors, and even some fundamental principles of evolution in general. For example, guppies and meerkats seem to be genetically driven to post a lookout to watch for predators. This lookout stands a significantly slimmer chance of survival than the others, so because of the mechanism of natural selection, it would seem that this trait would be lost after a few generations. However, the gene has remained, leading evolutionary philosopher/scientists such as Richard Dawkins and W. D. Hamilton to propose explanations, including the theories of kin selection and reciprocal altruism.
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"We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Dennis Langer as a new member of the Board of Directors of Myriad Genetics, Inc.," said Peter Meldrum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Myriad. "Dennis's extensive knowledge in all major aspects of pharmaceutical development along with his experience in the biotechnology arena provides him the insight to make a major contribution as Myriad advances its pipeline of drug candidates through human clinical trials toward commercial introduction."
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Most people think that genetics is remote from their everyday lives. But the rapid progress that is being made in the field of genetics is changing every aspect of health care. Virtually all human diseases and conditions result from the interaction of genes and the environment. Genetics will play an important role in promoting health or delaying the onset of disease and it is likely that medicine will become more prevention focused.
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One of the most exciting developments in genetics is the initiation of the Human Genome Project, designed to provide a complete genetic map outlining the location and function of the 40,000 or so genes that are found in human cells. (A genome is all of the genetic material in the chromosomes of a particular organism.) With the completion of this map, genetic researchers will have easy access to specific genes, to study how the human body works and to develop therapies for diseases. Gene maps for other species of animals ... are being developed.
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Human Genetics