By knocking out a gene essential to the parasite's development, Kappe hopes to create a vaccine against malaria.

FORBES: Chutzpah Science

One in a million people have damaged copies of a gene which is essential for breaking down fats.

BBC: Gene therapy: Glybera approved by European Commission

In such cases, Venter and Lander agree, gene patents are essential.

FORBES: Magazine Article

For example, widespread failure in our handful of remaining major crops and animal breeds due to disease or pest outbreaks is a very real possibility: given that pest and pathogens are constantly evolving, a diverse gene pool is essential if we are to develop insect- and disease-resistant strains in the future.

FORBES: The Future of Life On Earth: Part Two Of The Discussion

Cyclopamine, it turns out, blocks the function of a gene called Sonic hedgehog that is essential for embryonic development but also plays a lead role in causing deadly cancers of the pancreas, skin, prostate and esophagus.

FORBES: The Curious Case of The One-Eyed Sheep

The gene codes for a nourishing protein that is essential for the survival of motor neurons.

FORBES: For Arya

Five years ago Pioneer Hi-Bred International (a subsidiary of DuPont) figured out how to slide a critical gene from corn into sorghum to make a variant with more lysine--an essential amino acid.

FORBES: Chutzpah Science