Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

American Geographical Society of New York Records, 1723-2010, bulk 1854-2000

Proposal and plans for an expedition by Fawcett to explore the forests of the Amazon basin. Includes the copy of a contract and a translation of an old document in the National Library in Rio de Janeiro known as "Manuscript 512.

American Geographical Society of New York Records, 1723-2010, bulk 1854-2000

Correspondence with Fawcett and the AGS regarding his request for financial support for an expedition to the Amazon

American Geographical Society of New York Records, 1723-2010, bulk 1854-2000

Correspondence from Fawcett before and during his expedition in Brazil. Also includes clippings and correspondence in 1927 once it was realized that Fawcett had not returned as planned