Reflections on the 10th anniversary of sequencing the human genome

In February 2011, Science Magazine published a series of essays, edited by Barbara R. Jasny and Laura M. Zahn, from leading scientists to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the sequencing of the human genome. The essays discuss what the genome represents and its impact.

Lessons from Genomics, Bruce Alberts, 4 February 2011;331(6017):511

Part I

(Vol. 331 no. 6017 p. 546)

"Ten years ago, the first peer-reviewed reports of the sequencing of the human genome were published. At that time we announced that “humanity has been given a great gift,” which has proven to be the case in many ways but has also presented a great challenge. To commemorate the event, we have asked a cross section of insightful individuals—representing many viewpoints—to look at what it has meant to them or their communities to have access to human genome sequences. We will be publishing their comments throughout the month of February." Jasny and Zahn

• Faces of the Genome, by Francis S. Collins
• The Human Genome at 10: Successes and Challenges, by J. Craig Venter
• The Golden Age of Human Population Genetics, by Molly Przeworski
• Genomics and Clinical Relevance, by Tom Hudson
• What Defines Us?, by Ronald Cole-Turner
• Painting the Genome for the Public, by Xavier Cortada
• Bringing Genomics and Genetics Back Together, by Richard A. Gibbs

Part II

(Vol. 331 no. 6018 p. 689)

"During the month of February, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the first publications of the human genome sequence. This week, the commentaries explore the impacts of sequence information on our understanding of ourselves, as well as look at future directions for research and medicine." Jasny and Zahn

• My Genome, by Desmond Tutu
• Genome Literacy, by Emmanouil T. Dermitzakis
• Personal Genomes: For One and for All, by Jun Wang
• The Landscape of Human Evolution, by Pardis Sabeti
• My Genome, My Identity, My Health, by Charmaine D. M. Royal
• What Will Drive Genomics Over the Next 10 Years?, by Arthur Caplan
• An Anniversary Party, by Kári Stefánsson
• First Steps on a Long Road, by Eric Schadt

Part III

(Vol. 331 no. 6019 p. 872)

"The third installment of our human genome anniversary series offers vastly different perceptions of the genome's meaning and impact." Jasny and Zahn

• A Living Constitution, by Sheila Jasanoff
• What Does a “Normal“ Human Genome Look Like?, by Maynard V. Olson
• Of Mice and Humans, by Shinya Yamanaka
• Human Genome Sequencing: Celebrating 10 years, by Lihadh Al-Gazali
• Gene Patents: The Shadow of Uncertainty, by Robert Cook-Deegan
• The Genomic Foundation Is Shifting, by John S. Mattick
• Famine in the Presence of the Genomic Data Feast, by Eileen Hoal