Biology, Computing, and the History of Molecular Sequencing From Proteins to DNA, 1945-2000

by García-Sancho, Miguel

• ISBN13: 9780230250321
• ISBN10: 0230250327
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-06-19
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

Sequencing is often associated with the Human Genome Project and celebrated achievements concerning the DNA molecule. However, the history of this practice comprises not only academic biology, but also the world of computer-assisted information management. The book uncovers this history, qualifying the hype and expectations around genomics.

Author Biography

MIGUEL GARCIA-SANCHO obtained his Ph.D. at Imperial College London, UK, and has worked at the Centre for the History of Science of the University of Manchester. He is currently a Research Fellow at the Department of Science, Technology and Society of the Spanish National Research Council. His interests lay in the history of twentieth century biomedicine, with publications in the Journal of the History of Biology, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences, and Science, Technology and Human Values .

Table of Contents

Introduction: An Historical Approach to Sequencing
PART I: EMERGENCE: FREDERICK SANGER'S PIONEERING TECHNIQUES (1943-1977)
The Sequence of Insulin and the Configuration of a New Biochemical Form of Work (1943-1962)
From Chemical Degradation to Biological Replication (1962-1977)
PART II: MECHANISATION – 1: COMPUTING AND THE AUTOMATION OF SEQUENCE RECONSTRUCTION (1962-1987)
Sequencing Software and the Shift in the Practice of Computation
Sequence Databases and the Emergence of 'Information Engineers'
PART III: MECHANISATION – 2: THE SEQUENCER AND THE AUTOMATION OF SEQUENCE CONSTRUCTION (1980-2000)
A New Approach to Sequencing at Caltech
The Commercialisation of the DNA Sequencer
Conclusions: A Long History of Practices
Appendix 1: Oral Histories
Appendix 2: Archival Sources
Notes
Bibliography