Engineered in lab mice, this gene produced a protein (named OPG) that vastly increased bone strength and thickness-without causing any harmful side effects.

FORBES: Biotech Behemoth

The biggest reward of Amgen's early genome work, however, may be the osteoporosis drug dubbed AMG 162, based on the bone gene that Amgen lab coats were so surprised to discover in fetal rat intestines in 1995.

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Patsalis of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics said his team is developing a noninvasive method to test for Down syndrome by comparing fetal DNA to the mother's using standard lab equipment, instead of pricey gene-sequencing gear.

WSJ: New Prenatal Tests Offer Safer, Early Screenings