Here’s a pleasant surprise: A huge federal science program that’s turning out to be both faster and cheaper than planned.
The Human Genome Project, which aims to decipher the complete genetic code of life by 2005, will celebrate its fifth birthday next month. So far the enterprise has cost $871 million-less than the $1 billion projected-and completed its first map of human DNA more than a year ahead of schedule.
At least 50 disease-causing genes have been identified. Tests for a dozen genetic disorders have been developed. And a start has been made toward obtaining the ability to prevent or cure cancer and other diseases by repairing damaged genes.
Nonetheless, practical application of the knowledge thus far gained is a long way off, warns Dr. Francis Collins, discoverer of the first human disease gene and director of the project.
