Genesis of The Genome Registry
Online, September 24, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Recently, a well-regarded Professor of Biology and an Oklahoma businessman created The Genome Registry, giving the public the ability to assign gene or chromosome pseudonyms named after a person, pet, or organization.
The Genome Registry was an original concept created by Hal Stevens in 2001. With the lack of scientific knowledge and technology back in 2001, this concept was not practical to implement at that time. Fast forward to 2013, and scientists routinely study genomes to better understand ancestry, diseases, disorders, and evolution. With all the new information and technology available, The Genome Registry has been created.
"This unique concept had its nurturing, incubation and development period. In addition to finding an individual who could help with the assigning and cataloging genes, having a highly-regarded biologist, knowledgeable about genetics on the team was critical. Fortunately, I found genomic expertise from Biology Professor, author, and researcher, Dr. Jim Bidlack," said Hal Stevens, President and CEO of The Genome Registry.
Customers can request a human gene/chromosome, other animal gene/chromosome (i.e., buffalo, dog, horse, rabbit), a plant gene/chromosome (i.e., alfalfa, carrot, rose, soybean), and those from other biological kingdoms and species. Once the request is received, The Genome Registry's scientific team begins processing the request. The customer then receives a beautiful certificate (which can be ordered framed), a graphical representation of the gene/chromosome from the species requested, and a letter of congratulations confirming its scientific value and that a donation will be made supporting scientific research or wildlife conservation.
"The Genome Registry will help get the general public more interested and involved with genomic research. The timing is perfect because the full sequencing and mapping of genomes has improved with recent technology. Genomic research is in an exponential phase right now and there is a great need for public understanding of the importance and relevance of this work," said Dr. Bidlack.
The Genome Registry can assign any sequenced and mapped genome at the customer's request. There are 1.7 million known species (and probably more) with an average of about 5,000 genes per organism. Combining all these genes together means that there is a possible universe of 8.5 billion genes that The Genome Registry can assign to clients.
The Genome Registry even has the ability to register genes in bacteria. Each bacterial organism can have, on average, 500 genes. There are an estimated 10 million known bacterial species, which suggests there is a total of 5 billion bacterial genes to choose from. And, combining these genes with those that can be assigned from non-bacterial species, there is a grand total of 13.5 billion genes that can be named - which is almost twice the entire human population.
With each purchased gene or chromosome registration, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the TriBeta Biological Honor Society and/or Wildlife Habitat Council. Donations to these to nonprofit organizations will be put towards undergraduate education, research, and wildlife conservation.
For additional information please contact:
Dr. James (Jim) Enderby Bidlack
Vice President and Chief Science Officer
The Genome Registry
jimbidlack@thegenomeregistry.com
(405) 974-5927