The large-scale decoding of genetic information was the most important scientific advance of the year 'perhaps even the century', according to the journal Science. And its UK counterpart Nature asked 'Where were you on 26 June 2000, while history was being made?' Reviews in the popular press agreed that the unveiling of the first draft of the entire human genetic code this year was a genuine milestone.
Runners-up in Science's 'Breakthrough of the Year' list included the discovery of the detailed structure of the cell's protein-making apparatus (the ribosome), and advances in stem cell and cloning research. Nature highlighted the ethical debate surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, and the need for more basic research as the key to developing new therapies.
John Sulston, former director of the UK's Sanger Centre, is to be rewarded with a knighthood for his part in the Human Genome Project. Dr Sulston, who left his post last October, was honoured for 'services to genome research'. He told the Independent on Sunday newspaper that the fuss and press coverage surrounding June's announcement 'almost seemed too much' for one more step in our understanding of ourselves. He also cautioned that 'we need to understand and discuss what can and should be achieved by knowing this genomic information at this early stage while all the options are still open'.
Sources and References
-
Breakthrough of the year
-
2000 in context
-
Genome project
-
Code cracker to be knighted
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.