Lessons from Genomics

Abstract

In February 2001, Nature and Science provided the first detailed look at the human genome: a string of some 3 billion nucleotides whose unique sequence forms the genetic blueprint for each individual. This momentous occasion made headlines around the world. Now that a decade has elapsed, where has this achievement led us and where are we going with other such ambitious endeavors? Throughout this month in Science , the News and Commentary sections will present viewpoints and analyses of the effects of the genomics revolution on science and society (see http://scim.ag/genome10 ). Many lessons can be derived from the Human Genome Project that should be helpful in guiding other large science projects through their inevitable challenges. *