Human Genome Project (HGP)

What is it?

International effort to sequence the human genome, the blueprint for human beings passed on through the generations. The scientific products of the HGP will comprise a resource of genomic maps and DNA sequence information that will provide detailed information about the structure, organization and characteristics of human DNA. It provides advanced means of making the information widely available to scientists, physicians, and others in order that the results may be rapidly used for the public good. The federal government, through the National Institute of Health (NIH) has created the National Genome Program R I. The NGPRI is in charge of organizing the public labs involved in the research.

Sites to learn more:

NHGRI – National Human Genome Research Institute, funded by the National Institute of Health to support the public efforts in mapping the human genome. Includes the recent news, events, public policy, grant info, and a glossary of genetic terms.

Human Genome Project Primer – (created by the Department of Energy) introduces the Human Genome Project, including mapping and sequencing genes, model organisms and database development. This site is reading intensive and very few graphics; somewhat dry.

Genome News Network – site published by Celera, a private company that was first to finish sequencing the Human Genome. Each week they have a new feature about the HGP.

ELSI Program – (Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Human Genetics Research Program) established under the Human Genome Project to anticipate and address the ethical, legal and social issues that arise as the result of human genetic research. This link provides information on the history of ELSI, the kinds of issues and activities in which ELSI is involved, ELSI research and training opportunities at the NHGRI and related resources, publications and web pages.

Genetic trail – online publication describing what is being done to find flawed human genes that lead to inherited human diseases.

Ask Jeeves – www.ask.com has a directory of interesting sites related to genetics, and more. Simply type in a question, or click on Science, then Biology, then Genetics, and you will get a list of popular sites dealing with the genome (click Human for the HGP).

Yahoo– www.yahoo.com has a good directory of interesting sites related to genetics, and genome projects, both for human genomes and other organisms. This link takes you to the genetics page; you can click on a category at the top or peruse the links at the bottom.

Genome Database – The official repository for genomic mapping data resulting from the Human Genome Initiative.

This site is funded by the National ScienceFoundation .