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Anticipated Benefits of Genetic Research
Genomics
and Its Impact on Science and Society: The Human Genome Project and
Beyond
Expanding Impacts of New Technologies,
Resources
Rapid progress in genome science
and a glimpse into its potential applications have spurred observers to predict
that biology will be the foremost science of
the 21st Century. Technology and resources generated by the Human Genome Project
and other genomic research already are having major impacts on research across
the life sciences. The biotechnology
industry employed more than 250,000 people in 2006,
and revenues for 2005 totaled more than $50.7 billion.*
Future revenues are expected to reach trillions of dollars.
A list of some current and potential applications of genome research follows.
More studies and public discussion are required for eventual validation and
implementation of some of these uses.
Molecular Medicine
- Improve diagnosis of disease
- Detect genetic predispositions to disease
- Create drugs based on
molecular information
- Use gene therapy and control systems as drugs
- Design “custom drugs” based
on individual genetic profiles
Microbial Genomics
- Rapidly detect and treat
pathogens (disease-causing microbes) in clinical practice
- Develop new energy sources
(biofuels)
- Monitor environments
to detect pollutants
- Protect citizenry from biological and chemical warfare
- Clean up toxic waste safely and efficiently
Risk Assessment
- Evaluate the health risks
faced by individuals who may be exposed to radiation (including low levels
in industrial areas) and to cancer-causing
chemicals and
toxins
Bioarchaeology, Anthropology, Evolution, and Human Migration
- Study evolution through
germline mutations
in lineages
- Study migration of different
population
groups based on maternal genetic inheritance
- Study mutations on the
Y chromosome to trace lineage and migration of males
- Compare breakpoints in
the evolution of
mutations with population ages and
historical events
DNA Identification
- Identify potential suspects
whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes
- Exonerate persons wrongly
accused of crimes
- Identify crime, catastrophe,
and other victims
- Establish paternity and
other family relationships
- Identify endangered and
protected species as an aid to wildlife officials (could be used for prosecuting
poachers)
- Detect bacteria and other
organisms that may pollute air, water, soil, and food
- Match organ donors with
recipients in transplant programs
- Determine pedigree for seed or livestock breeds
- Authenticate consumables such as caviar and wine
Agriculture, Livestock Breeding, and Bioprocessing
- Grow disease-, insect-,
and drought-resistant crops
- Optimize crops for bioenergy production
- Breed healthier, more
productive, disease-resistant farm animals
- Grow more nutritious
produce
- Develop biopesticides
- Incorporate edible vaccines
into food products
- Develop new environmental
cleanup uses for plants like tobacco
*Source: Biotechnology Industry Organization website
(www.bio.org), June 2008.
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