Wellcome Sanger Institute facts for kids
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a special place in the UK. It is a non-profit research center. This means it does not work to make money. Instead, it focuses on understanding our genes. It also studies the genes of other living things. The Wellcome Trust provides most of its funding.
The Institute is located near Cambridge, England. It is part of the Wellcome Genome Campus. This campus also hosts the European Bioinformatics Institute. The Sanger Institute started in 1992. It was named after Frederick Sanger. He won the Nobel Prize twice!
When it began, the Institute focused on DNA sequencing. This means reading the genetic code of living things. They played a big part in the Human Genome Project. This project mapped out all the genes in humans. The Sanger Institute shared its research openly. They also worked with many other scientists.
Since 2000, the Institute has grown. It now wants to understand how genes affect health and sickness. About 900 people work there. They study human genes and genes from tiny germs. They also study genes in mice and zebrafish. Another important area is bioinformatics. This uses computers to understand genetic information.
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What is the Wellcome Sanger Institute?
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a leading research center. It is known for its work in genomics and genetics. Genomics is the study of all an organism's genes. Genetics is the study of how traits are passed down. The Institute helps us learn how our bodies work. It also helps us understand diseases.
Where is the Institute Located?
The Institute is in Hinxton, a village near Cambridge. It is part of a bigger science area. This area is called the Wellcome Genome Campus. It is a place where many scientists work together. They share ideas and discoveries.
Who Funds the Institute?
The Wellcome Trust is the main funder. The Wellcome Trust is a large charity. It supports research to improve health. This funding helps the Institute do its important work. It allows scientists to explore new ideas.
History of the Sanger Institute
The Institute was created in 1992. It was first called The Sanger Centre. Later, it became the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. It was named after Frederick Sanger. He was a famous scientist. He won two Nobel Prizes for his work with DNA.
Role in the Human Genome Project
The Sanger Institute played a key role. They helped map the entire human genome. The human genome is like a complete instruction book for a person. It tells our bodies how to grow and work. The Institute made the biggest single contribution to this project. Their work helped scientists worldwide.
Sharing Discoveries
From the start, the Institute believed in sharing. They made their research data public. This means other scientists could use it. They also worked with many groups. This teamwork helped science move faster. It led to many new discoveries.
What Research Does the Institute Do?
The Institute has expanded its goals. They now want to understand how genes affect health. They study how genes cause diseases. This research can lead to new medicines. It can also help prevent illnesses.
Main Research Areas
The Institute focuses on four main areas:
- Human Genetics: They study human genes. This helps us understand inherited conditions. It also shows how genes influence our health.
- Pathogen Genetics: Pathogens are tiny germs that cause sickness. The Institute studies their genes. This helps us fight diseases like malaria or flu.
- Mouse and Zebrafish Genetics: Scientists study genes in mice and zebrafish. These animals are good models for human diseases. Learning about their genes helps us learn about ours.
- Bioinformatics: This area uses computers. Scientists use special software to analyze genetic data. It helps them find patterns in genes. This is like using a super-smart detective to solve gene puzzles.
Images for kids
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The Wellcome Genome Campus
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The Morgan Building (right), part of the Sanger Institute
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Children at a public outreach event thread bracelets in four colours to spell out a DNA sequence.
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The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute was established in 1992, funded by the Wellcome Trust and the UK's Medical Research Council
See also
In Spanish: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute para niños
