David Issachari reflects on the most interesting possible applications and the connection between the genome and physics
By David Issachari
The human genome project, with the completion of the phase of determining the "raw" sequence (without decoding...), reached a turning point. The main effort will now be directed to data analysis, the purpose of which is to determine the coding sequences for traits, mutations, and susceptibilities to certain diseases. The skills that will be required for this will be more suited to those trained in physics or engineering, than to those with a classical biological background.
For example, since 1994, the physical literature has included articles on the subjects
the following:
1 g electrophoresis DNA sequencing method
2. The simulations for DNA replication
3. Creation of a DNA chip capable of diagnosing DNA sequences at the "crime scene" for both police and clinical use.
4. Analyzing the statistical properties of DNA sequences as a tool for understanding the mechanisms of evolution.
5. The topological properties of genes as a dynamic network.
6. Analyzing the statistical properties of the genome, as a way to shorten its decoding processes.
7. Use of optical programming.
