Today's Headlines
- Lessons and Implications of the Confirmation of Charges Against Kenya's 'Ocampo Four'
- Finance Minister Quits Over ICC Charges
- Shortage of HIV Test Kits Raises Concerns
- Living On the Edge in Turkana Region
- Ali Breaks Silence, Describes Delight At Acquittal
- Uhuru, Ruto Eligible for Presidency - CIC
- Tea Sector Posts Record Earnings in 2011
- Resettle IDPs, Urges Annan
- Uhuru, Muthaura Have Done the Right Thing
- All Displaced People Should Return Home
- Concern Raised As Parents Shun Schools in Poll Violence Hotspots
- Ruling On IEBC Hiring in February
- Country Working Towards Conditions Needed for Direct Flights to U.S.
- How ICC Claimed Kibaki's Lieutenants
- Geothermal Project to Receive Sh10 Billion Funding Boost
- Five Million to Get IDs Before Elections
- Speed Up Building Port
- Uhuru and Muthaura Did Well to Quit Posts
- A Full Plate Awaits Githae
- Clashes Continue in Moyale
- Baraza Case to Be Heard Monday
- Two Firms in Joint Venture to Drill for Oil Near Lodwar
- Exit Uhuru, Muthaura
- ICC Charges Hound Uhuru Out of Treasury
- Consumers Grow Despite Inflation
- Poor Relations Between Banks Blamed for Cash Shortages
- Fish Prices Up As Vegetable Supply Dwindles
- Consumers to Pay More for Milk and Bread As Prices Rise
- Kibaki Tasks Ex-Dar CJ to Lead Probe in Kenya
- Mombasa Port Cargo Congestion Forces Three-Month Fees Waiver
Gatonye Gathura
7 September 2010
Nairobi — Some Kenyans from Webuye and Kinyawa near the Kenya-Tanzania border have become part of what could be one of the greatest scientific studies this decade.
The two groups, who are part of a sample selected from various parts of the world, have had their genes decoded and now form part of the most advanced edition of the human genetic map, also known as the Book of Life.
The decoding of the human genetic map first hit global headlines in June 2000 and was described as the most significant scientific landmark of all time, comparable to the invention of the wheel or the splitting of the atom.
It has been predicted that over the coming decades this information could revolutionise the study and development of medicine, giving the world new tests and drugs for previously untreatable diseases.
Now the Luhya and Masaais of Kenya become part of 11 global communities whose genetic information is helping researchers find common and rarer genetic variants associated with complex diseases.
Using the information the researchers, who include Mr Duncan Ngare, of Moi University, Eldoret, last week published the third and latest generation map of the human genes.
