1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
Fast machines, genes and the future of medicine By Maggie Fox, Julie Steenhuysen and Ben Hirschler Kate Kelland in London, videographer Kevin Fogarty, Lisa Richwine in Washington, Ransdell Pierson in New York and Tan Ee Lyn in Hong Kong also contributed.
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Mon Apr 5, 2010
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
This special report looked at the new science of whole genome sequencing and how it does — and doesn't — affect people's health. We delved into the companies making money in this business and whether they are over-promising, and we looked at the challenges of sorting through all this information. We were the first mainstream media outlet to report about the different gene sequencing machines jockeying for a place in the market.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
We used National Human Genome Research Institute databases, our own corporate databases, past stories and company websites.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
We interviewed National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins (and included a video of the interview); Dr. Eric Green, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, Dr. Rory Collins of Britain's BioBank, Lon Cardon, head of genetics at GlaxoSmithKline, Dr. Bert Vogelstein of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Matthew Meyerson of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and others.
6. Results (if any).
This was the first example of a new approach to news by Reuters, the special report. Normally, Reuters correspondents are restricted to 600 – 800 words for a story and mostly work alone. This story took weeks to put together and required teamwork literally around the globe. The result is a far more in-depth story than any individual reporter would ever usually provide. Please do look at the entry online – we also posted video of two of the interviews, again, a new approach for us and one that really added value to
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
n/a
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
The old journalism maxim "follow the money" is always good advice. If you think about who will make money on something and how, you will always dig up a good story.