The Human Genome Project

Started in 1990 and completed in 2003, the human genome project was a successful effort
by a group of international scientists collaborating on a research program to complete the
mapping and understanding of the human genes and all combined is named the Genome.
This was accomplished by deciphering the human genes in 3 ways: Mapping locations of
genes for major sections of our Chromosomes; making linkage maps (allowing inherited
traits to be tracked easier over generations). During this, they successfully uncovered
approximately 20,500 human genes to contribute to the genome and has many applications
around the world.
It can help prevent and treat genetic diseases and diagnose more certainly and
therefore also detecting them earlier. Another use is in the criminal justice system as we can
now use DNA fingerprinting to correctly and swiftly identify crimes just by comparing
collected DNA samples. Medicine can be more effective as it now can be modified to treat
certain diseases instead of one-size-fits-all. However, this development has some cons,
although it is a critical development for humankind; It could be used to develop weapons
that, using the genome, can target specific populations and remove the collateral and
structural damage element of warfare. It could also reduce diversity within the human race
as we try to remove mutations and defects we are narrowing our gene pool and therefore the
diversity within humankind weakening bonds within society and new, interesting
perspectives.