The Greatest Map of All
The history of maps can be traced to more than 5,000 years ago. From cave paintings to global positioning systems of the 21st century, maps have served as valuable resources. While the evolution of maps is without question, their intrinsic nature has withstood the test of time and remain an essential tool in recording geography, population, natural resources, and as recently as (2004) human genetics under the research name (The Human Genome Project). Much like a puzzle the shapes, patterns and order of human DNA have been plotted by scientists’ and have been transformed into a map like none other. The Human Genome Project has been referred to as “one of the great feats of exploration in history- an inward voyage of discovery rather than an outward exploration of the planet or the cosmos.” Genetic mapping will not cure genetic diseases by itself, but it is a critical tool in expanding scientists’ understanding of the role gene mutation and deletion play in causing complex diseases and disorders. From this understanding, strategies to develop cures and preventive measures evolve.

Inherited genetic variation has a key but as of yet largely uncharacterized role in human disease. Genome mapping has advanced the screening of genetic diseases with more than 39,000 genetic tests currently in use in the, molecular, chromosomal and biochemical genetic fields, according to GeneTests, a database supported by the federal government. The results of genetic tests can confirm or rule out suspected genetic conditions or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. The medical insight genome mapping can provide will undoubtedly change the way we think about healthcare. “Medicine