| OBSERVATION'S |
Next human genome mapping effort targets haplotype blocks
An effort to create the next-generation map of the human genome was launched last week by the International HapMap Project, an international research consortium. The approximately $100 million, three-year, public-private effort is aimed at speeding the discovery of genes related to common human afflictions such as Alzheimer's disease, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease by charting the genetic variations within the genomes of individuals. The name HapMap refers to the consortium's effort to map haplotype blocks. Research indicates that 65 to 85% of the human genome may be organized into haplotype blocks that are 10,000 base pairs or larger. To create the HapMap, DNA will be taken from blood samples collected by researchers in Nigeria, Japan, China, and the U.S. No medical or personal identifying information will be obtained from people providing the DNA
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