Scoop Link: Scientists Announce DNA Mapping

By PAUL RECER, AP Science Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Proclaiming a ``historic point in the 100,000-year record of humanity,'' scientists announced that the human genetic code essentially has been deciphered, a monumental achievement that opens a dramatic new frontier in medicine.

Leaders of competing public and private efforts said at a White House ceremony Monday that they have virtually completed assembly of what they called ``the book of life'' - nature's genetic instruction manual for making and maintaining human beings.

Knowing the human genetic code, said President Clinton, will give science ``an immense new power to heal'' by attacking disease ``at its genetic roots.''

Because of the new genetic knowledge, said the president, ``our children may know cancer only as a constellation of stars'' and not as a disease that kills and maims.

Clinton also cautioned that the genetic map must never be used to segregate, discriminate or invade the privacy of human beings.

Legislation is circulating in Congress that offers such protection.

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