Information about Making PCR






		Paul Rabinow UC Berkeley
	Making PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
This web site is based on Paul Rabinow's ethnographic study of the people and events leading to the discovery of the polymerase chain reaction or PCR. PCR facilitates the identification of precise segments of DNA and accurately reproduces millions of copies of the given segment in a short period of time. This technique has profoundly transformed the practices and potential of molecular biology by extending scientists' ability to identify and manipulate genetic material. The on-line electronic archive consists of the foundational or 'core'-articles documenting the birth and initial elaboration of PCR in the early 1980's. Such an archive will be of service not only to molecular biologists but also to researchers in the social study of science, economgy and law. Built in cooperation with UC Berkeley library it enhances the already strong collections in biotechnology and the history of science. Several on-line fora elicit views from those scientists and technicians directly involved in the invention of PCR. Forum-participants are not only asked to comment on the history, but also on the current state of PCR, its recent improvements and its potential competitors. The exchanges will be posted on a regular basis. They complement the written documents and will over time turn into a valuable source for further exploring the 'making' of PCR. Contact Information: Paul Rabinow (Primary Investigator) E-mail: rabinow@uclink.berkeley.edu Tel.: (510) 642-2634 Søren Germer (Research Assistant) E-mail: sgermer@qal.berkeley.edu Suzanne Calpestri (Onsite Project Manager) E-mail: scalpest@library.berkeley.edu Tel.: (510) 642-5339 To the Top [home \| information \| communication \| production \| five projects]