What is the value of the Human Genome Project?
A. My basic view is that the project will reap fantastic benefits for humankind, some that we can anticipate and others that will surprise us. Greater knowledge about the human genome will help us better understand the many diseases and heritable conditions that affect humans. Disease genes get all the attention, but much more profound is the need to understand normal biological functions. From this understanding will come insights into how to prevent diseases rather than rely on treatment after they start. The most cost-effective disease prevention ever invented is the vaccine. For the cost of smallpox vaccine or a tetanus shot, a life of incalculable value can be safeguarded at no further expense. Disease prevention— the gold standard for medicine—also represents the promise of genetics.
