Advances in science and medicine lent a completely new perspective on human (and animal) life. Darwin first proposed the possibility of genes; and since the mapping out of the Drosophila fly gene by Alfred Sturtevant and the discovery of the actual double-helix structure of DNA, it became possible for the first time to actually isolate those genes within humans. The technology was there, and the motivation came from a government-sponsored research project on the effects of radiation on gene mutation.

On this day, April 25, in 2003, the Human Genome Project wrapped up, having sequenced more than 90% of human DNA. Marked improvements in computer technology allowed the sequencing to complete a full year ahead of schedule. The U.S. Congress acted to commemorate the historic event with a “National DNA Day.”

The project’s stated goal “to understand the human genome” was certainly laudable. An early report noted that “knowledge of the human is as necessary to the continuing progress of medicine…as knowledge of human anatomy has been for the present state of medicine.” But that knowledge has not been without its share of critics and knotty ethical considerations. With the technology existing to screen humans for certain genetic diseases, the potential for discrimination based on those diseases arises as well. Health insurers may well configure their coverage and employers base their hiring decisions in the future based on their applicants’ DNA profiles.