A major goal of the HGP is to develop automated sequencing technology that can accurately sequence more than 100,000 bases per day. Information gained from the HGP has already fueled many positive discoveries in health care. If other disease-related genes are isolated, scientists can begin to understand the structure and pathology of other disorders such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Molecular Medicine Through genetic research, medicine will look more into the fundamental causes of diseases rather than concentrating on treating symptoms. DNA-based tests clarify diagnosis quickly and enable geneticists to detect carriers within families.
Genomic information can indicate the future likelihood of some diseases.
As an example, if the gene responsible for Huntington's disease is present, it may be certain that symptoms will eventually occur, although predicting the exact time may not be possible. In 1994, through advances gained by the HGP, the DOE formulated the Microbial Genome Initiative to sequence the genomes of bacteria useful in the areas of energy production, environmental remediation, toxic waste reduction, and industrial processing. Resulting from that project, six microbes that live under extreme temperature and pressure conditions have been sequenced. The potential for commercial development presents U.S. industry with a wealth of opportunities. Energy Sources Biotechnology, strengthened by the HGP, will be important in improving the use of fossil-based resources.