Evaluated Links

Explore websites on genetics and genomes, the ethical issues raised by research in genetics, and the history of genetics research.

Genes and genomes

DNA Interactive (DNAi)
An extensive educational website that examines developments in genetics and the human genome project through stunning animations and video interviews with key scientists. The site includes a timeline of genetics, and covers the discovery of the DNA structure and code, the manipulation of DNA, the sequencing of the human genome, forensic DNA analysis and eugenics. DNAi was produced by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory with funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

GeneReviews
Detailed descriptions of genetic disorders, produced by experts in the field. The reviews discuss how genetic testing is applied to the diagnosis, management and genetic counselling of patients and families with specific inherited conditions. Produced by the University of Washington, Seattle, and funded by the US National Institutes of Health.

Genetic Interest Group
A UK alliance of more than 120 charities that support children, families and individuals affected by genetic disorders. The site includes a selection of personal accounts by patients with genetic disorders, introductory explanations of genetics and genetic conditions, and a directory of clinical genetics services in the UK.

Genetic Science Learning Center
Well-produced site that aims to help students and teachers understand how genetics affects their lives and society. As well as background information on genes, chromosomes and genetic disorders, the site covers topics such as cloning, addiction, pharmacogenetics and gene therapy through a mix of articles and superb animations. Produced by the University of Utah.

Public Health Genetics Unit
Regularly updated news and information site about advances in genetics and their impact on public health and the prevention of disease. The Public Health Genetics Unit is part of the Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park and is funded by the Department of Health and the Wellcome Trust.

Ethics

BioethicsWeb
A searchable catalogue of internet sites and resources covering biomedical ethics.

Bioethics Today
A web resource covering the ethical, social and legal aspects of biotechnology. The site provides access to resources divided under three headings: animals, agriculture and human. The resources provided include introductions to key topics, legal documents, governmental and other papers and reports, and a bibliography of key texts.

bioethics.net
A comprehensive and well-produced bioethics resource and news service. The site offers extensive coverage of daily and weekly news stories in bioethics and provides links to the original source of the stories where these are available. The content of the news tends to be largely US focused but some stories from other countries are also included. The site is associated with the 'American Journal of Bioethics' and provides abstracts of the journal's target articles in bioethics.

Bionet
An extensive website that encourages a public and school-student audience to "explore and debate the latest discoveries in life sciences". Areas on stem cells, 'living longer', 'life with HIV', 'design-a-baby', 'future food' and 'who owns your genes?' feature general information, associated scientific techniques, possible areas of discussion relating to 'rights and wrongs', quizzes, videos and a discussion forum. The site was created by eight European science centres and museums and ECSITE, and is available in nine European languages.

gen.ethix
An online Flash game about decision making on ethical issues stemming from advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine. The game presents fictitious bioethical problems based on genetic testing, genetic information and privacy, and the use of human embryonic stem cells to make drugs. Films, interviews and statements are available as background information on each issue. gen.ethix is a joint project of the Bioethics and Science Communication Research Group, the German Human Genome Group and the University of Applied Sciences, Potsdam, Germany.

PHG Foundation: Genetics policy database
A database of over 1000 records of internet links and brief descriptions including press releases briefing notes, policy documents, reports and background information and legislation on genetics. Produced by the PHG Foundation, which is an international, independent charity that works with partners to achieve better health through the responsible and evidence-based application of biomedical science.

History

Electronic scholarly publishing
A rich resource of digitised papers and books on genetics in PDF and HTML format. The 'foundations of classical genetics' timeline, tracing the development of genetic theories from 350 BC to the 1940s, includes works by Aristotle, Charles Darwin, Gregor Mendel, August Weismann, and Thomas Hunt Morgan and colleagues. ESP is hosted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

National Library of Medicine: Profiles in science
Digital versions of the archives of prominent 20th-century biomedical scientists and public health specialists such as Linus Pauling, Barbara McClintock, Marshall Nirenberg and Francis Crick.

Wellcome Witnesses to Twentieth Century Medicine
Freely available online transcripts of the Witness Seminars at which significant figures in 20th-century medicine discuss the evolution of medical practice and medical research. Topics include cystic fibrosis, genetic testing and leukaemia.