Quick Dips

Gene Library For NZ

New Zealand scientists now have access to their own automatically updated copy of an international gene library, called GenBank.

According to Dr Geoff Lane, of DSIR Plant Protection, the database is a valuable research tool for New Zealand scientists working on a better understanding of the genetic code and developing new technologies based on that knowledge.

"This area of research is particularly important for New Zealand, with its economic dependence upon the products of living organisms," he says. "The new database installation will help New Zealand scientists working on a range of new technologies, from new techniques for diagnosing disease, to better methods of breeding improved plants and animals by `mapping' genes and by genetic manipulation."

New information is being added at an increasing rate -- the database is doubling in size every 18 months. Some of the gene sequences contributed by New Zealand scientists include fragments of DNA from white clover, kiwifruit, sheep and humans.