On this day, in 2003, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium formally announced the successful completion of the Human Genome Project.
Let’s take a moment to marvel at the fact that in just 13 years (2 years faster than planned!) researchers uncovered the complete genetic blueprint for a human and made that information available for further biological study. While the project technically launched in 1990, early meetings to assess the feasibility of such an undertaking began as far back as 1984.
Worth noting:
Billboard top hit in 1984? “Against all Odds” by Phil Collins
Billboard top hit in 1990? “Step by Step” by New Kids on the Block
Billboard top hit in 2003? “In Those Jeans” by Ginuwine (*not about DNA)
Check out this complete Human Genome Project timeline.
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Nicole Buckley
Communications Strategist
Association of American Medical Colleges
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