Foundations and profiles: splicing metaphors in genetic databases and biobanks
- ISSN: 09636625
- DOI: 10.1177/0963662506056786
Abstract
In this paper we explore new developments in genomics, in particular the move from data sequencing efforts like the Human Genome Project (HGP), to newer forms of data-driven genomic work that focus explicitly on the complicated relationship between genes and environment. We compare the use of a key term within the HGP, the metaphor of foundation, to the use of a different term, the metaphor of profile, within the GenomEUtwin consortium, an exemplar of post-genomic projects. By doing so, we attempt to re-think the role of language and metaphor in scientific projects and explore new developments in post-genomic research. These develop- ments include: first, the movement towards an explicit and programmatic acknowledgement of the complexity of gene and trait relationships, second, the use of bio-informatics techniques as exploratory tools of discovery rather than as part of a more straightforward decoding effort, third, the develop- ment of network infrastructures that link up and provide access to a vast array of different databases, and fourth, the alignment between various disciplines and interests within biology, clinical work, and public health initiatives. We use the metaphor of splicing to emphasize the heterogeneous work of scientists engaged in weaving together the diverse set of ideas, interests, and players necessary for the success of large-scale scientific projects.
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