Scientists unveil first draft of human genome

The first working draft of the human genome has been completed ahead of schedule and hailed by Michael Dexter, director of the Wellcome Trust, as “the outstanding achievement not only of our lifetime but in terms of human history.”

The draft maps 97% of the genome, of which 85% has been sequenced with an accuracy of over 99.9% It contains 38000 confirmed genes and 115000 possible genes. The two rival groups competing to be the first to complete the draft joined forces to announce the achievement in Washington, DC, and in London.

Richard Dawkins, professor of the public understanding of science at Oxford University, said: “Along with Bach's music, Shakespeare's sonnets, and the Apollo space programme, the human genome project is one of those achievements of the human spirit that makes me proud …