Molecular Biology in the Year 2000

Molecular Biology in the Year 2000

Contributor(s):
Crick, Francis, 1916-2004
Nature
Publication:
Nature Publishing Group, 14 November 1970
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Genre(s):
Archival Materials
Articles
Abstract:
In this article Crick expressed confidence that the field of molecular biology would continue to see strong growth in the three decades after 1970, driven by continued high levels of public funding for research, by an influx of newly trained scientists, including scientists from developing countries, and by the ongoing adoption of research techniques from other disciplines, mainly physics and chemistry. He predicted that major problems of molecular biology, such as the precise structure of chromosomes and the operation of genetic control mechanisms, would be solved by the year 2000, at least in outline. Over the same period, unforeseen discoveries would raise new questions, while problems involving complex interactions at the molecular level within and between cells, such as the origin of life on earth and the rate of evolution, the psychology of vision in humans, or the nature of consciousness, would continue to challenge biologists. Crick himself suggested a new field of inquiry, not entirely in jest, which he called "biochemical theology," the study of the effects of prayer and other religious practices on the nervous and hormonal systems.
Copyright:
This item may be under copyright protection; contact the copyright owner for permission before re-use.
Extent:
3 pages
NLM Unique ID:
101584582X431 (See in Profiles in Science)
Profiles in Science ID:
SCBCCJ
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584582X431
Archival Collection:
The Francis Crick Papers (Profiles in Science)