"Scientists have learned that the canonical 'genes' account for an embarrassingly tiny part of the human genome: maybe 1 percent of the three billion paired subunits of DNA that are stuffed into nearly every cell of the body qualify as indisputable protein codes. Scientists are also learning that many of the gene-free regions of our DNA are far more loquacious than previously believed, far more willing to express themselves in ways that have nothing to do with protein manufacture."
Fascinating stuff. Especially since I spent so much time in biology and chemistry classes learning that genes are codes for protein synthesis. Four articles from the NY Times that I haven't read all the way through yet, but plan to do so in the near future:
"Scientists and Philosophers Find That 'Gene' Has a Multitude of Meanings"
"Now: The Rest of the Genome"
"In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition"
"The Promise and Power of RNA"
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