The editors at the international journal, Science, have compiled their list of the Top 10 scientific developments for the year 2000, placing genome sequencing first on the list.

Science's Top 10 research advances, chosen for their profound implications for society and the advancement of science, appear in the journal's 22 December 2000 issue.

Genome sequencing steamed full speed ahead this year, as researchers used a synthesis of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering to decode the script of life in a variety of organisms, from people to fruit flies.

A year ago, reasearchers had completely read the genome of only one multicellular organism, the worm, Caenorhabditis elegans.

Now, sequences exist for the yet-to-be-published human genome, the fruit fly, and the plant geneticists' favorite weed, Arabidopsis thaliana. The genomes of several microbes have been sequenced as well, including those that cause cholera and meningitis. Close on the heels of these successes, the genomes of the mouse, rat, zebrafish, and two species of puffer fish are also nearing completion.

Researchers are already reaping new knowledge from these sequencing efforts, including insights into the diversity of cancer, the causes of aging, and the complexity of the immune system. In the 21st century, researchers will decipher whole families of genes and whole pathways of interactive proteins. '"/>

Contact: Ginger Pinholster
gpinhols@aaas.org
202-326-6421
American Association for the Advancement of Science
21-Dec-2000