The short step from physics to ecology

radiological research once threatened to displace innovative genetic investigations, today it is an overweening emphasis on molecular work that distorts the research agenda. “People who understand how to do classical genetics with mice are very thin on the ground,” says Lyon. Even worse, the future of mutant mouse lines throughout the world is far from secure. “Grantgivers tend not to want to pay money to keep genetic stocks going, even though so much is coming out of mouse genetics,” Lyon says. “But if only we can keep the battle going, the pendulum may swing back as people recognize the importance of keeping all this going.” Let us hope she wins this battle too.