SCIENCE IN THE NEWS DAILY
Analysis: Human Genome Hype or Reality?
from BBC News Online
It seems a long time since Tony Blair and Bill Clinton announced the first draft of the human genome had been completed. Knowing the "genetic blueprint" of human beings promised to usher in a new era of molecular medicine, bringing new ways to diagnose and treat disease, they promised. Almost 12 years on, you could perhaps be forgiven for thinking it's been a long time coming.
Here's one of the big dreams. One day every newborn will have their entire genetic code mapped. Then, if a doctor ever needs that information, they can check for secrets to molecular diseases buried in our DNA.
Here's another. A patient is diagnosed with cancer. During their biopsy, a tiny sample of the tissue sent to pathology is used to read all the billions of the genetic letters in the human genome. A clinician can then use that information to prescribe the right drugs.
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