Human Cognome Project

Brain Map
Paul Allen, Microsoft multi-millionaire, has donated $100M to further brain research. $40M of that has funded a detailed 3D map of the mouse brain, linked to a gene expression database.

Stanford University Conference 2001
Bob Horn at the conference Identified:

Immediate and Short Range Goals

 * Standardised clip art and diagram sets for all major disciplines. Medical and military sets apparently lead the way.  Architects and electronic engineers also have standard symbols.
 * Visual representations of collaborative mental models. In computing we have, for example, UML diagrams.  This is a grand way of describing existing techniques like mind-maps, family trees and timelines.
 * Agreed "Periodic Tables" of domain information. Data-type tagged XML information formats agreed.
 * Computer tools used for interdisciplinary collaboration.
 * Database of "common sense". See for example CYC.  Linked visually (somehow).
 * Ubiquitous Smart Sensors.
 * Automatic production of diagrams from text.

Intermediate and Long Range Goals

 * Training courses in visual representation of knowledge.
 * Standard visual templates available for business meetings.
 * On line computer tutors available on web.
 * Problem of 'fuzzy boundaries' of ideas cracked.
 * Amazing breakthroughs in many fields, as nano-cogno-bio convergence happens.

Cancer Genome Atlas
A similar genetic identification has been proposed for the cancer and disease genes. Research of the Cancer Genome Project is currently under way.

Links

 * visual development plan