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About 20 years ago, DNA sequences were separately described from the quagga (a type of zebra) and an ancient Egyptian individual. What made these DNA sequences exceptional was that they were derived from 140- and 2400-year-old specimens. However, ancient DNA research, defined broadly as the retrieval of DNA sequences from museum specimens, archaeological finds, fossil remains, and other unusual sources of DNA, only really became feasible with the advent of techniques for the enzymatic amplification of specific DNA sequences. Today, reports of analyses of specimens hundreds, thousands, and even millions of years old are almost common-place. But can all these results be believed? In this paper, we critically assess the state of ancient DNA research. In particular, we discuss the precautions and criteria necessary to ascertain to the greatest extent possible that results represent authentic ancient DNA sequences. We also highlight some significant results and areas of promising future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relates the history of genetics in France. French biologists and genetics from 1900-1930; Explanation of the delayed development of genetics in France; Experimental and theoretical population genetics; Genetic control of eye pigmentation in Drosophila; Andre Lwoff's physiological evolution and theory of genetic continuity; Distinctiveness of French genetics.

Presents a tribute to Hermann Joseph Muller and his contributions to genetics. Profound interest in the properties of the genes as the initiator and organizer of life; Papers authored on the idea of the genes as the basis of life; Properties of the gene material drawing the grandiose picture of evolution by mutation.

Biological systems, from molecular complexes to whole organisms and ecological interactions, tend to have a modular organization. Modules are sets of traits that are internally integrated by interactions among traits, but are relatively independent from other modules. The interactions within modules rely on different mechanisms, depending on the context of a study. For morphological traits, modularity occurs in developmental, genetic, functional, and evolutionary contexts. A range of methods for quantifying integration and modularity in morphological data is available, and a number of comparative and experimental designs can be used to compare the different contexts. How development produces covariation between traits can have substantial implications for understanding genetic variation and the potential for evolutionary change, but research in this area has only begun and many questions remain unanswered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critics have debated for the past decade or more whether race is dead or alive in ‘the new genetics’: Is gertomics opening up novel terrains for social identities or is it reauthorizing race? I explore the relationship between race and the new genetics by considering whether this ‘race’ is the same scientific object as that produced by race science and whether these race-making practices are animated by similar social and political logics. I consider the styles of reasoning characteristic of the scientific work together with the economic and political rationalities of neo-Iiberalism, including identity politics as it meets biological citizenship. I seek to understand why and how group-based diversity emerges as an object of value‘something to be studied and specified, something to be fought for and embraced, and something that is profitable’in the networks that sustain the world of (post)genomics today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Just as nucleic acids can carry out enzymatic reactions, proteins can be genes. These heritable infectious proteins (prions) follow unique genetic rules that enable their identification: reversible curing, inducible "spontaneous generation," and phenotype surprises. Most prions are based on self-propagating amyloids, depend heavily on chaperones, show strain phenomena and, like other infectious elements, showspecies barriers to transmission. A recently identified prion is based on obligatory self-activation of an enzyme in trans. Although prions can be detrimental, they may also be beneficial to their hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the emergence of systems biology, as are several examples of specific system approaches. Genomic sequences in humans and model organisms; Technologies which have driven the development of systems biology; Steps involved in a framework for systems biology.

Discusses genetics, biology and disease. Role of genetics in medicine; Information on the Human Genome Project; Use of the protein gene product.