human genome project - what is it? and what did we learn from it?

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The work of the Human Genome Project has allowed researchers to begin to understand the blueprint for building a person. As researchers learn more about the functions of genes and proteins, this knowledge will have a major impact in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and the life sciences.

I. THE RACE TO SEQUENCE

In 1990, The Human Genome Project proposed to sequence the entire human genome over 15 years with $3 billion of public funds. Then, seven years before its scheduled completion, a private company called Celera announced that they could accomplish the same goal in just three years at a fraction of the cost. Tien Nguyen details the history of this race to sequence the human genome.

II.   lessons learned

Prominent scientists involved in the Human Genome Project reflect on the lessons learned.

III. INTRO TO HUMAN GENOME

Humans are 99.9% genetically identical and yet we are all so different. How can this be? This video, taken from a lesson in Harvard Medical School Genetics course.

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IV of IV : what is epigenetics?

Here’s a conundrum: Identical twins originate from the same DNA ... so how can they turn out so different — even in traits that have a significant genetic component? Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna explains that while nature versus nurture has a lot to do with it, a deeper, related answer can be found within something called epigenetics.

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