WEB FOCUS
Personal genomes
In this focus
As the number of human beings with their genomes fully sequenced ticks higher and direct-to-consumer gene profiling companies push the limits of what medical genetics can do, the once fantastical notion that any given human can walk into a doctor's office with his or her genome on a hard drive looks more and more like a reality. Still the question remains to be answered: how do we use this wealth of information? In this Nature web focus we proudly present the challenges this approaching reality poses for technology, the legal and ethical confines of research, and the ability of genomics to translate into clinical utility. Here you'll also find the latest additions to the human genome menagerie, individuals from Africa and Asia.
Image: Jay Taylor
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News & Opinion
EDITORIAL
My genome. So what? Free access
Research is needed into the way individuals use their genomic information, and into protection from its abuse by others.
Nature 456, 1 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456001a
NEWS
How to get the most from a gene test
New tools squeeze more research out of personal genomics.
Erika Check Hayden
Nature 456, 11 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456011a
NEWS
Genomics takes hold in Asia
Collaborations among Asian scientists are just not as strong as those they share with scientists in the West. Why?
David Cyranoski
Nature 456, 12 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456012a
NEWS
Human genes are multitaskers
Up to 94% of human genes can generate different products
Heidi Ledford
NatureNews Published online 2 November 2008 doi:10.1038/news.2008.1199
NEWS FEATURE
Personal genomes: The case of the missing heritability Free access
When scientists opened up the human genome, they expected to find the genetic components of common traits and diseases. But they were nowhere to be
seen. Brendan Maher shines a light on six places where the missing loot could be stashed away.
Brendan Maher
Nature 456, 18–21 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456018a
NEWS FEATURE
DNA sequencing: Standard and pores
Could the next generation of genetic sequencing machines be built from a collection of minuscule holes? Katharine Sanderson reports.
Katharine Sanderson
Nature 456, 23–25 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456023a
NEWS FEATURE
Personal genomes: A disruptive personality, disrupted Free access
Eric Schadt revels in making people uncomfortable with his science. Bryn Nelson reports how the bioinformatics rabble-rouser hopes to charge ahead in
the face of his company's disintegration.
Bryn Nelson
Nature 456, 26–28 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456026a
COMMENTARY
When consent gets in the way Free access
As the prospect of personal genomes for all promises to make personal health records a reality, mandating consent does not protect privacy or
ensure public benefit.
Patrick Taylor
Nature 456, 32 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456032a
COMMENTARY
Misdirected precaution Free access
Personal-genome tests are blurring the boundary between experts and lay people. It's time rethink outdated models of regulation.
Barbara Prainsack, Jenny Reardon, Richard Hindmarsh, Herbert Gottweis, Ursula Naue & Jeantine E. Lunshof
Nature 456, 34 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456034a
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Current Research
ARTICLE
Accurate whole human genome sequencing using reversible terminator chemistry Free access
David R. Bentley et al.
Nature 456, 53–59 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/nature07517
Abstract | Full Text | PDF | Supplementary Information
ARTICLE
The diploid genome sequence of an Asian individual Free access
Jun Wang et al.
Nature 456, 60–65 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/nature07484
Abstract | Full Text | PDF | Supplementary Information
NEWS AND VIEWS
Individual genomes diversify
Samuel Levy & Robert L. Strausberg
Nature 456, 49 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/456049a
ARTICLE
DNA sequencing of a cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia genome Free access
Timothy J. Ley et al.
Nature 456, 66–72 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/nature07485
Abstract | Full Text | PDF | Supplementary Information
LETTER
Genes mirror geography within Europe
John Novembre et al.
Nature 456, 98–101 (6 November 2008) doi:10.1038/nature07331
Abstract | Full Text | PDF | Supplementary Information
LETTER
The complete genome of an individual by massively parallel DNA sequencing Free access
David A. Wheeler et al.
Nature 452, 872–876 (17 April 2008) doi:10.1038/nature06884
Abstract | Full Text | PDF | Supplementary Information
NEWS AND VIEWS
Human genetics: Dr Watson's base pairs
Maynard V. Olson
Nature 452, 819–820 (17 April 2008) doi:10.1038/452819a
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Podcast
Listen to our special features on personal
human genomes in the Nature Podcast
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Conference Blog
Read on as Nature blogs from the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics in Philadelphia from November 11-15.
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Links
- Discuss this issue's commentaries on personal genomics
- The Human Genome Collection
- Nature Web Focus Hap Map
