Epigenetics, biotechnology, and other scientific advances : the role of Iraqi researchers

Abstract AR

The past two decades has witnessed an amazing outburst of scientific developments and discoveries accompanying the so-called Genetic Revolution.

The advances that followed the deciphering of the Human Genome in 2003 particularly in the molecular biology and genetics were not possible without parallel developments in the biotechnologies and the bio-informatics.

The new science of Epigenetics was developed in the aftermath with surprising revelations.

In this article we will be examining the relevance of these developments to the Iraqi research and the problems of environmental pollution 1991-2004 with the consequent rises in cancer and birth defects.

We submit a new theory that birth defects in Iraq are more likely to be caused by Epigenetic factors than carcinogenetic factor and we call for a well oriented and problem targeted planning in scientific research in Iraq.

The successful themes in the scientific research of the 21st century are the culture of team work and co-operation and the integration of expertise among specialists.

The American example of a highly successful, well planned and problem oriented team research work that lead to deciphering the human genome and the development of the science of epigenetics is discussed.

The role of governmental support is illustrated.

Recommendations and suggestions are made in the coarse of developing a problem oriented scientific research in Iraq such as to allow the Iraqi scientists to be ahead of other scientists in solving the Iraqi problems.