What have been some direct, specific scientific or medical benefits of the successful mapping of the human genome?

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stolperia | (Level 1) Educator Emeritus

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Research, discoveries, and development of applications of knowledge are still ongoing in the light of the completion of the mapping of the human genome. There will certainly be many more applications forthcoming in the future. However, knowledge derived from genetic studies is already being used in many areas of medicine.

Genetic testing can be used to predict factors increasing the likelihood of developing diseases including some blood disorders, breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, and some types of liver diseases. Genetic information may be used to enable the identification of the cause(s) of some types of cancer and Alzheimer's Disease, among other conditions. It is likely that treatments for many of these conditions will be improved as the genetic basis and the response of the DNA in the gene to various drugs becomes better understood.

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