Not enough money for gene research

Unfortunately for the apparently psychotic perpetrator and others in the recent Arizona killing spree, isolating possible mutant genes and curing his affliction is still in the future. Unfortunately for others who suffer from genetic diseases, there area few cures, and genes that cause many diseases haven't been found.

To find mutant genes, only $1 billion is needed. Researchers are ready, but it can take $2 million per disease.

There is still a problem of finding treatments. Therapy can have problems with immunity, toxicity and longevity of benefit. Multiple gene disorders such as Alzheimer's, heart, diabetes or arthritis, do not have effective gene therapy.

Far in the future, people will look back on the primitive years of the 2000s and wonder why people didn't act sooner, with broader scope. If they have a heart, they will wonder why billions in tax breaks were given to rich people instead of for greater purposes.

John Gelhaus

Radcliffe