Author:
García-Sancho Miguel,Lowe James
Abstract
AbstractThis introductory chapter outlines the technical and conceptual basics of genomics, its history and current impact. We use the metaphor of the history of genomics as an hourglass to challenge the widespread association of genomics with the idea of a single, international and successful ‘Human Genome Project’. We query this hourglass depiction by examining genomics research in both human and non-human organisms: yeast and pig, as well as Homo sapiens. We also introduce a concept that helps differentiate genomics across our three chosen species: communities of genomicists. The objectives, research necessities and visions of these communities are profoundly entangled with the genomes of the organisms they work on. This materialises in different models of organising and conducting genomics and affects the affordances and limitations of the resulting reference genomes.
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
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