Basics 2008

Big Picture

Genomics has drastically changed the way we see the world

• Genome sequencing
  • 1994 first (bacterial) genome sequenced
  • 2001 Human genome completed

• ENCODE project (2007)

• Environmental surveys of life (2005-2007)
  • Global Ocean Sampling Expedition

• 1000 Genomes program (2008)
  • January 22 2008 NIH News: NIH announces "sequencing the genomes of at least a thousand people from around the world to create the most detailed and medically useful picture to date of human genetic variation"

• Creation of arteficial life
  • 2008 synthetic Mycoplasma
    • I am creating artificial life, declares US gene pioneer Article in The Guardian
    • Move over Dolly. Synthia is on her way Article in The Economist