Final answer:
The cost to sequence a human genome has significantly dropped to around $1000, with results available in as little as two days. This is largely due to advancements in next-generation sequencing technologies since the completion of the Human Genome Project, enabling personalized medicine and efficient treatment of diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cost to sequence a human genome today is substantially lower than it was at the onset of the Human Genome Project (HGP). With advances in next-generation sequencing technologies, a human genome can now be sequenced for approximately $1000, providing results within as little as two days. This rapid and affordable accessibility to genomic data has vast implications for personalized medicine and the treatment of diseases. For instance, by focusing on the DNA's coding regions through wholesome sequencing, a significantly cheaper method, doctors can pinpoint genetic defects that may cause or contribute to diseases, as illustrated by the case of the young boy who was cured by identifying a genetic defect affecting apoptosis, for which he was treated successfully with a bone-marrow transplant.
Fueled by breakthroughs like Sanger's genome sequencing, the push towards faster, cheaper genome sequencing continues to evolve. The completion of the HGP in 2003 marked the initial sequencing of all 3.3 billion base pairs in the human genome, laying the foundation for ongoing developments in genomic research. The ability to sequence entire genomes of pathogens rapidly also improves the response to infectious diseases and health threats.
In conclusion, the advancements in genome sequencing technology not only make it more affordable and faster to decode human DNA but also empower healthcare professionals to tailor treatments based on genetic information, thereby enhancing the efficacy of medical interventions and patient outcomes.