Human Genome Project Paper

Genomics is the study of genes and how those genes interact in a human being. It is a relatively new field of study and was spurred after the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, which was created in 1990 to help scientists have a better understanding of how human genetics work. Since then, genomics has largely influenced the medical field and how medical professionals approach patients at risk for inherited diseases. Genetic mapping can help predict diseases patient’s are at risk of development and with the help of a health care provider they can prevent, delay, or treat the disease. Genomics is important in nursing because it allows the nurse to give the best care possible to their patient. The nurse will have a better understanding

The specific goals of the project were; “identify all the approximately 20,500 genes in human DNA, determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA, store this information in databases, improve tools for data analysis, transfer related technologies to the private sector, and address the ethical, legal, and social issues that may arise from this project” (U.S. Department of Energy Human Genome Project, 2015). The project officially started in 1990 and was completed two years ahead of schedule in 2003. All the goals of the project had either been met or exceeded expectations (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015). The Human Genome Project was a revolutionary project that exceeded all expectations and has provided present day medicine with new technology and

The National Human Genome Research Institute understood there would be controversy-surrounding genomics, so a program was started to study the issues (National Institute of Health, 2013). The ethical, social, and legal issues include “ the extent of individual informed consent, the design and application of genetic screening and testing, privacy and discrimination concerns, and genetic exceptionalism” (Hodge, 2004). The Genetic Information Act of 2008 was created to protect people from being discriminated based on their genetic results. It protects people from health insurance agencies and employers (National Institute of Health, 2013). While there is controversy surrounding genetic testing, the National Human Genome Research Institute is taking precautionary measures to protect the people and the