Gene generation
Human genome sequenced; genetic codes of other organisms read; personal genomics made viable
This was probably our greatest moment, a moment of self realisation: the sequencing of the human genome — our hereditary information in entirety. Years ahead than expected, two competing teams of scientists in 2001 simultaneously published draft sequences of the entire human genome, also surprising everyone with the result: a low gene count of only 35,000, which is less than that of even some worms. The year after, the genomes of the malaria mosquito and of two kinds of Asian rice were decoded; although this did not advance the science of genomics, it made it possible for the eradication of malaria and hunger through genetic engineering. In 2007, researchers got clued in to human genetic variation by finding 15 million places along the genome where personal or population differences can occur. Studies in this direction will help develop population- or person-specific genetic medicine for conditions like diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Owing to advances in sequencing technology, the field has also opened up an avenue of business: personal genomics.