It's been a hot couple of years for genomics, the study of the long chain of chemicals that determines all the hereditary information in a person's DNA, from hair and eye color to propensity for disease.

First, the Human Genome Project mapped the entire human genome, a chain of 3 billion chemicals, giving scientists a template for comparing the genetic makeup of all individuals to spot differences and their possible relationship with disease.

Subsequent advances in technology have led to machines that quickly and efficiently read samples of genes, allowing scientists to uncover more than 100 genetic links to disease. Ultimately, their goal is personalized medicine – finding specific therapies that work for each individual. More...