EDITOR'S NOTE: At an international press event today, the leaders of two genomic research teams--representing scientists from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, China, and other countries--jointly described the completion of the first human genetic map. They were joined at this historic event by U.S. President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Science Editor-in-Chief Donald Kennedy offered this response:
"We're delighted by today's joint announcement by scientists with the Human Genome Project and Celera Genomics. The research leaders of both organizations deserve congratulations for their enlightened decision to merge their efforts in this productive collaboration.
"A map of the human genome will open the door to new treatments for hundreds of devastating diseases, and raises the possibility that scientists might someday correct many of the genetic errors responsible for much human suffering.
"Simultaneous, peer-reviewed publication of both the Celera and Human Genome Project data sets will enhance prospects for extending this remarkable accomplishment into human service. I am optimistic that this can be achieved, accompanied by publicly accessible posting of the primary sequence data."
NOTE: For more information on this statement, contact Ginger Pinholster, (202) 326-6421 / (202) 326-6440, gpinhols@aaas.org