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With the human genome sequence in the bag, a biologist at the University of
California, San Diego, is calling for a project to map the genome of our closest
relative—the chimpanzee. Ajit Varki points out that a chimp genome project
could steam ahead because chimps share 99 per cent of our DNA, and our completed
sequence could be used as a guide (Genome Research, vol 10, p 1065).
Varki believes that understanding the small genetic differences that help chimps
resist diseases such as AIDS, malaria and Alzheimer’s could lead to new
treatments for us.