Linked Data Explorer
DNA the human race
In the early 1980s scientists like Sir Alec Jeffreys, began scrutinising human DNA for individual anomalies which could cause diseases, particularly hereditary. While investigating, he discovered 'DNA fingerprints' and its potential uses in forensics, immigration disputes and paternity cases. Then, in 1990 the Human Genome Project was launched with the mission to decipher the complete instruction manual of the human being. This catalogue of all the human genes, will be available to all on the internet. It is an epic endeavour, spanning five continents, costing billions and lasting over a decade. Having the human genome will transform science and medical practice; and many aspects of society, irrevocably. The Project sparked off an historic scientific conflict as two groups of scientists raced to be the first, the Human Genome Project vs. Celera, a private entreprise. It required the intervention of then U.S. President Bill Clinton to broker a deal such that both parties could work towards a common goal of assembling as complete an image as possible. Features prominent scientists involved in both the public and private projects. Amongst those on the public side are Fred Sanger and Jim Watson; while on the private, are Craig Venter and Celera. Presents their personal stories and footage of their works, including onsite visits. Shows the crucial role of computer technology in performing complex and arduous tasks, often humanly impossible.
- "In the early 1980s scientists like Sir Alec Jeffreys, began scrutinising human DNA for individual anomalies which could cause diseases, particularly hereditary. While investigating, he discovered 'DNA fingerprints' and its potential uses in forensics, immigration disputes and paternity cases. Then, in 1990 the Human Genome Project was launched with the mission to decipher the complete instruction manual of the human being. This catalogue of all the human genes, will be available to all on the internet. It is an epic endeavour, spanning five continents, costing billions and lasting over a decade. Having the human genome will transform science and medical practice; and many aspects of society, irrevocably. The Project sparked off an historic scientific conflict as two groups of scientists raced to be the first, the Human Genome Project vs. Celera, a private entreprise. It required the intervention of then U.S. President Bill Clinton to broker a deal such that both parties could work towards a common goal of assembling as complete an image as possible. Features prominent scientists involved in both the public and private projects. Amongst those on the public side are Fred Sanger and Jim Watson; while on the private, are Craig Venter and Celera. Presents their personal stories and footage of their works, including onsite visits. Shows the crucial role of computer technology in performing complex and arduous tasks, often humanly impossible."@en