TEST: Genomics

Genomics is the study of genomes. DNA research and genetic mapping are a few of the main features. The study the individual structures of genomes are not part of this, however. The man who discovered Genomics was named Fred Sanger. He mapped the first genomes. Genomics is also about sequencing genomes, which means discovering the original structure. Sanger did this with a mitochondrion and a virus. People have begun to try to manipulate the genome which is a technolgy before anything else.

"Countries, businesses, governments that seek to protect, to maintain the status quo are bound to get poorer quickly as technology flourishes in other regions." (page 182) In economics a country is just a business. It is only as good as what it produces, what it can make. If a country wants to stay ahead then they must stay on top of the latest trends, especially involving technology. Technologies take less stress off people, and therefore more technologies free up more people for other things. While we have more and more people involved in technology development the actual technologies themselves are meant to save time, improve quality of life, and increase production. With everything getting bigger and bigger countries need to master new technology and be inventive to keep themselves from falling behind. Genomics is the next big trend, and if a country can't master it than they are done.

The consequences of this situation can be economical. Investments are discussed; early technologies are invested in too quickly and are then replaced with similar, improved technologies. Xerox stocks, for example, plunged from $65 a share in 1998 to $5 a share in 2000. The fast-paced progression of technology and the volume of revolutionary companies are a consideration and a possible future danger to investors. Genomics patents increased 25% between 1999 and 2000 Also, companies have to make some very difficult financial decisions. Investing in technology is very expensive, and very risky. Your companies pharmaceutical investment of $500,000,000 could turn into a revolutionary drug which makes you more money than you ever dreamed. It could also amount to nothing, and you can lose a third of your company. Not making these decisions for fear of making the wrong ones will just leave you behind as everyone else progresses. Economic results have become unpredictable- there is not any equation that can tell the future. And the future will just catch you anyway.