Aftermath of the Human Genome Project: an era of struggle and discovery

Abstract

The collaboration between the Human Genome Project and the Sanger Institute, spurred on by their contemporary- Celera Genomics, in the race to sequence the human genome, opened the door to a generation of research concerned with the study of the nucleic manual. Following this monumental achievement, the genomic era was born, heralding the development of gene therapy, personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing systems. These 'omic' disciplines offer a wide range of applications in the treatment of disease and the betterment of the quality of human life. Their notability, however, manifests in the unique mix of sociological and scientific discourse that ensues. Current genomic-era milestones present a unique opportunity to view scientific advance in a thoughtful light, lacing together discoveries, history, and ethical questions, while encouraging the public to consider the varied facets of this scientific evolution with the same curiosity and enthusiasm as the trailblazers of the Human Genome Project. Consider it an invitation to reflect on the fruits of the genomic era.