Where Next for Genetics and Genomics?

The sequencing of the human genome provided tremendous insight into the building blocks of our biology. Such information has laid the ground work for a multiude of advancements in the study, technology, and clinical application of genomics. By looking back on the innovations and progress of the discipline since the sequencing of the human genome, it is fair to say that this rapidly developing field will continue to grow.

In this article PLOS Biology asks eight researchers in genomics and genetics what they think the future has in store. Their responses provide interesting insight into what we could potentially have to look forward to in the near future, such as open access sequences of germ plasm for breeding plants and animals, as well as the possibility of miniaturized automated assay devices that monitor health and predict the onset of cancer.

While some of the predictions seem still far off, the authors also discuss the future with issues surrounding the current state of the field in mind. This includes how the genomes of individuals might be linked with personal medical records to help personalize health care; some predict that the sequencing of a billion genomes in the next 15 years will have implications on data storage issues and ethical issues surrounding patient confidentiality. Whatever the case, these researchers seem to think that genomics will continue to contribute tremondously to the understanding of all facets of human biology.

Click here to read the paper.