BILL CLINTON and Tony Blair announced the first draft of the human genome sequence in 2000. This was 鈥渢he first great technological triumph of the 21st century鈥�, said Blair.
Maybe so, but since that early fanfare, the impact on our lives has been negligible. Rather than laying bare the blueprint of our bodies, that draft human genome sequence was merely a first step. Deeper understanding 鈥� and new medical treatments 鈥� requires many more sequenced genomes, as well as cheaper and faster sequencing methods.
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Now, 18 years on, we are getting a glimpse of what genetically tailored medicine might look like. The time 鈥� and money 鈥� it takes to sequence a person鈥檚 entire genome has fallen sufficiently for doctors to use it to diagnose rare conditions in very sick children (鈥�Three critically ill children helped by speedy genome sequencing鈥�).
After years of hype and subsequent disappointment, the human genome is finally making good on its promise.
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This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淗ype becomes reality鈥�
