We’ve learned to read our genes. Now we need to start writing them | Susan Rosser

To understand our genetic code more fully, we need to build one to see the role of the genes and how they can change

Science can move at a startling pace. In 2003, biologists from the Human Genome Project announced that they had learned how to read an entire human genome. A few days ago, they revealed that they now want to press ahead to try to write one. In other words, researchers have reached the stage where they want to build the genetic instructions that form the blueprint for living cells. The idea, outlined in Science last week, is exciting, audacious and also controversial.

So why put forward such a plan? Why court controversy with such a seemingly outlandish proposal? In fact, the idea goes back to the results of the original Human Genome Project that are now providing greater understanding of the causes of cancer, heart disease and schizophrenia while also shedding light on human evolution.

Continue reading...