DNA barcodes make their mark
From MSNBC (cosmic log)
Friday, November 06, 2009 1:30 PM by Alan Boyle
DNA fingerprinting isn't just for humans anymore: The "barcodes of life" are being read in other species as well, and they're being used to crack down on smugglers, track down disease carriers and trace the effects of climate change.
About 350 experts from 50 countries will be meeting in Mexico over the next week to discuss the rising number of applications for the technology. One of the major items on the agenda is to seal a global deal to extend the DNA barcode system to plants.
That could help genetic sleuths to get a better handle on where timber is being harvested illegally, where herbal medicines really come from, and where plant diseases are being spread.
Read more
From MSNBC (cosmic log)
Friday, November 06, 2009 1:30 PM by Alan Boyle
DNA fingerprinting isn't just for humans anymore: The "barcodes of life" are being read in other species as well, and they're being used to crack down on smugglers, track down disease carriers and trace the effects of climate change.
About 350 experts from 50 countries will be meeting in Mexico over the next week to discuss the rising number of applications for the technology. One of the major items on the agenda is to seal a global deal to extend the DNA barcode system to plants.
That could help genetic sleuths to get a better handle on where timber is being harvested illegally, where herbal medicines really come from, and where plant diseases are being spread.
Read more
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