WHEN we decided months ago to do a comprehensive story on the New Genetics, we realized that the subject did not fit into the normal format of a cover article done by a single department of TIME. Writers and correspondents in Science, Medicine and Religion were proposing separate projects; Behavior had become a significant part of the field as well. Hence, this week's special section represents a collaboration among the four sections. Senior Editor Leon Jaroff (Atom No. 1 in the journalistic molecule) headed the task force. Science Writer Frederic Golden (2), drawing on material gathered by John by Sydnor Vanderschmidt (3), Alan Anderson (4) and John Wilhelm (5), traced the assault on the mysteries of molecular biology. Jere Donovan (6), assisted by Nina Lihn (7), devised the diagrams of the cell's mechanisms. Medicine Writer Peter Stoler (8), aided by reports from Gail Lowman Eisen (9) and Douglas Gasner (10) discussed the potentials in preventive medicine. Behavior Writer Virginia Adams (11), working with Erika Sanchez (12) and Ruth Mehrtens Galvin (13), described how mental processes might be altered. Religion Writer Mayo Mohs (14), along with Richard Ostling (15) and Margaret Lynch (16), covered the subject from the standpoint of ethics. The Picture Department's Evelyn Merrin (17) collected the photographic material. Said Jaroff: "We cannot be sure what man will try to man, with the New Genetics, or what the New Genetics will do to man. But everyone should be aware of the possibilities."

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