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The cover shows computer analysis of DNA array data comparing the expression patterns of 22500 human genes in normal and cancerous prostate cells. Red represents high levels of gene expression and blue represents low levels. Picture by Veronique Blanc and Qin Wang from Wellcome Trust Medical Photographic Library.
Flavor-enhancing molecules provide a fast track to market and to an IPO, at least for Senomyx, the first 'flavor' biotech out of the block. Will others follow? Cormac Sheridan investigates.
Big pharma is dabbling in systems biology, a few brave entrepreneurs are trying to make a business out of it, but investor caution may keep those in the field from really making it big in drug development.
Although quality assurance schemes have been proven effective in preventing genetic testing errors, a recent survey of services in the EU reveals that laboratory participation in these schemes is fragmented and incomplete.
Although cases involving the issue of written description must be decided on their own facts, a detailed disclosure may provide a greater chance of meaningful patent protection for genetic innovations.
Statistical models called hidden Markov models are a recurring theme in computational biology. What are hidden Markov models, and why are they so useful for so many different problems?