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Three's company

Article Abstract:

Celera Genomics' Craig Ventner, and University of California, Berkeley's Gerry Rubin have announced the completion of the genome of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Celera is using the project as a test for techniques employed on sequencing the genome for humans. The results are useful in adding to knowledge about the fruit fly, as well as allowing for comparisons with humans. There are many human genes which are also found in flies, and the research can help in tackling cancer and other diseases.

Chromosome mapping, Drosophila

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No sex, please, we're plants

Article Abstract:

Apomixis is a process wherein plants can produce seeds asexually. Genetic engineers aer researching the possibility to causing apomixis in major crop plants. This would allow seed companies to forego the costly hybridization process since seeds thus produced would be genetically predictable.

Seeds NEC, Nursery and Floriculture Production, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION--CROPS, Product development, Plants, Seeds, Apomixis, Plant reproduction, Seed industry, Plant asexual reproduction

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A little knowledge

Article Abstract:

Tests for diseases such as phenylketonuria benefit all children because the disease affects their health immediately, but testing for a predisposition for diseases such as Huntington's is part of an ethics debate. The benefits and debates about genetic testing are examined.

Testing, Ethical aspects, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Genetic disorders

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