First complete cancer genome sequenced
November 6, 2008 | Source: Science News
For the first time, a complete cancer genome, and incidentally a complete female genome, has been decoded, scientists report online Nov. 5 in Nature. In a study made possible by faster, cheaper and more sensitive methods for sequencing DNA, the researchers pinpoint eight new genes that may cause a cell to turn cancerous.

Acute myeloid leukemia cells from the bone marrow of the female patient whose complete genome was sequenced (Timothy Ley)