Francis Collins, one of the major players who cracked the genetic code, is in final talks for taking the helm of the National Institutes of Health, reports the Bloomberg News.
As director of the National Human Genome Research Institutes (NHGRI) for 15 years, Collins spearheaded efforts to map the human genetic code. With a lot of help from J. Craig Venter at Celera, the project was completed ahead of schedule in 2003, and opened up a plethora of applications and implications for research into our genetic blueprint.
Collins resigned from the NHGRI position last year, in his own words, …read more

With all the growing excitement, hype and inquiry surrounding personal genome testing, I was wondering when the National Institute of Health would join the fun.
With a $600,000 grant from the NHRGI, the Genetics and Public Policy Center of Johns Hopkins will begin conducting studies to understand the new direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry. And it’s about time.

Good thing Emma Tonkin at Genomics Policy, a University of Glamorgan weblog, is on top of things. From her I found out that today is National DNA Day! Sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), it’s perfect timing because this week, I happen to be celebrating Genetics and Health’s first birthday.
What’s in store?

Webcast and podcasts of talks including one by NHGRI researcher Barbara Biesecker – Genomics: Towards a Healthier You
Teaching Tools including one on exploring our molecular selves.
Live, online chat from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern US time. That would be 1 p.m. to 11 …read more