A Roadmap for Biotech Research The new biotechnology allows scientists to get at the most basic functions of life, deep inside the complex interactions of genes. Here are some key developments. HEMOPHILUS: This bacterium, which causes meningitis and childhood ear infections, was the first organism for which researchers identified the entire genome--the complete set of genes. One goal: pointing the way toward new drugs and vaccines. DOLLY: Dr. Ian Wilmut and his colleagues at the Roslin Institute added new genes to 277 eggs before they got one to grow into the world's most famous sheep. Researchers elsewhere will now be rushing to duplicate the feat. YEAST, DROSOPHILA, C. ELEGANS: Two of these simple organisms--fruit flies and tiny round worms--are very close to being sequenced; yeast has been done. Many genes are remarkably similar to ours, offering new clues to fight disease. DNA CHIPS: The marriage of microchips and DNA is a natural. Researchers are using chips to rapidly identify genetic variations in specific tissues. Comparing diseased and healthy tissue can reveal causes of disease. MUSTARD WEED: Researchers have begun to decipher the complete genome of one plant--the mustard weed, known scientifically as Arabidopsis. The eventual result could be supercrops or trees that would yield such products as plastics and drugs. FAMILY TREES: Researchers are now using large families, often from genetically isolated communities, together with powerful computer technology, to identify genes involved in more complex disorders such as diabetes and heart disease. Return to main story

Updated June 15, 1997 by bwwebmaster
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