| Rapid progress in genome science and a glimpse into | | | | breast cancer. This will provoke a new era of |
| its potential applications have spurred observers to | | | | molecular medicine characterized less by treating |
| predict that biology will be the foremost science of | | | | symptoms and more by looking to the most |
| the 21st century. Technology and resources | | | | fundamental causes of disease. Rapid and more |
| generated by the Human Genome Project and other | | | | specific diagnostic tests will make possible earlier |
| genomics research are already having a major impact | | | | treatment of countless maladies. Medical researchers |
| on research across the life sciences. The potential for | | | | also will be able to devise novel therapeutic regimens |
| commercial development of genomics research | | | | based on new classes of drugs, immunotherapy |
| presents U.S. industry with a wealth of opportunities, | | | | techniques, avoidance of environmental conditions |
| and sales of DNA-based products and technologies in | | | | that may trigger disease, and possible augmentation |
| the biotechnology industry are projected to exceed | | | | or even replacement of defective genes through |
| $45 billion by 2009 (Consulting Resources Corporation | | | | gene therapy. Besides, research on human evolution |
| Newsletter, Spring 1999). | | | | become easier and clearer when a full and detailed |
| Some current and potential applications of genome | | | | genome map have been created. |
| research include molecular medicine, microbial | | | | Understanding the human genome will have an |
| genomics, risk assessment, bioarchaeology, | | | | enormous impact on the ability to assess risks posed |
| anthropology, evolution, human migration, DNA | | | | to individuals by exposure to toxic agents. Scientists |
| forensics (identification), agriculture, livestock | | | | know that genetic differences make some people |
| breeding, and bioprocessing. | | | | more susceptible and others more resistant to such |
| Technology and resources promoted by the Human | | | | agents. Human Genome Project technologies also can |
| Genome Project have profound impacts on | | | | help to assess health damage and risks caused by |
| biomedical research especially in clinical medicine. | | | | radiation exposure, including low-dose exposures. |
| Increasingly detailed genome maps have aided | | | | Furthermore, damage and risks caused by exposure |
| researchers seeking genes associated with dozens of | | | | to mutagenic chemicals and cancer-causing toxins also |
| genetic conditions, including myotonic dystrophy, | | | | can be assessed. Consequently, the likelihood of |
| fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, | | | | heritable mutations can be reduced. |
| inherited colon cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and familial | | | | |