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HGP Home Spanning Disciplines,
Advancing Knowledge
Promoting Awareness,
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of the Human Genome Project

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Human Genome Program

Human Genome News Archive Edition

Vol.12, Nos.1-2   February 2002

 

Available in PDF
 
In this issue...

In the News
 Countering Bioterrorism
 Genomes to Life Program
TIGR Anthrax Sequencing
Chromosome 20 Sequence
Pufferfish, Poplar Sequence
Microarrays, Anthrax ID
 Patrinos Wins Award as Distinguished Executive
 Spinach DNA: Hope for Blind
 TIGR Functional Genomics
 DOE Medical Technologies
 Protein Trinity, Disorder
 Gene p53 Research
 PROSPECT Prediction
 Low Dose Radiation Program
 Award for Microscope
 Bio-Science News at National Labs
 Microbial Genome Program

Special Meeting Report
Genes and Justice
 GM Products
Genetic Discrimination
 What are GM Organisms and Foods?

Web, Publications, Resources
Biosciences Online
DNA Files on Radio
Primer on DNA Basics
CD-ROM Wins Rave Review
Other Resources

Funding Information
GTL Program Announcements
US Genome-Related Research Funding

Meeting Calendars & Acronyms
Genome and Biotechnology Meetings
Training Courses and Workshops
Acronyms

HGN archives and subscriptions
Human Genome Project Information home

TIGR Sequencing Anthrax Used in Florida Attack

The National Science Foundation is funding The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) to sequence to 8 X coverage the genome of the Bacillus anthracis strain used in last falls attack on a Florida publishing company. TIGR previously sequenced the genome of a more common strain of B. anthracis. Sequence comparisons may help pinpoint the Florida strain’s source and determine whether its genome had been manipulated to increase its virulence.

In a commentary that appeared in Nature on October 22, 2001, TIGR President Claire Fraser acknowledged the rising concern over the potential misuse of genomic advances for attacking humans and their staple crops or livestock. She urged biologists to discuss the implications of their work in this context and to play a role in generating effective deterrence strategies.

Data and technologies generated in the biology revolution have the potential to be misused by terrorists, but the same breakthroughs may be used to design countermeasures, she pointed out. Genomic progress can counter biological agents in ways that include rapid detection, identification of new vaccine targets, and the design of novel antimicrobial compounds.

The electronic form of the newsletter may be cited in the following style:
Human Genome Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Human Genome News (v12n1-2).

Last modified: Wednesday, October 29, 2003

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