Rapid progress in genome science and a glimpse into its potential applications have spurred observers to
predict that biology will be the foremost science of the 21st century. Technology and resources generated by the Human Genome Project and other genomic research are already having a major impact on research across the life sciences. The potential for commercial evelopment of genomic research presents U.S. industry with a wealth of opportunities, and sales of DNA-based products and technologies in the biotechnology industry are projected to exceed $45 billion by 2009 (Consulting Resources Corporation Newsletter, Spring 1999).
Some current and potential applications of genome research include molecular medicine, microbial genomics, risk assessment, bioarchaeology, anthropology, evolution, human migration, DNA forensics (identification), agriculture, livestock breeding, and bioprocessing.
Technology and resources promoted by the Human Genome Project have profound impacts on biomedical research especially in linical medicine. Increasingly detailed genome maps have aided researchers seeking genes associated with dozens of genetic conditions, including myotonic dystrophy, fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, inherited colon cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and familial breast cancer.