A recent joint research project investigating a chicken gene by Chinese, European and American scientists may lead to a discovery on how to prevent diseases like bird flu. 

China's Academy of Science says the international research team has successfully interpreted the chicken gene map and the finding is being published in the science magazine Nature.

The academy said China has established its own highly competitive gene research group to study crops and animals.

Chinese scientists are participating in human gene research and will soon launch the project to study Chinese human genes.

(CRI December 10, 2004)