Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project (also known as the HGP) was started in 1990 and ended in 2003. The main goals of this project were to try and decipher the structure of DNA sequencing and how DNA sequences affected different individuals' health. This project was multifaceted and included researches from across the globe. There was a large amount of involvement of gathering and interpreting data from countries like Canada, Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Scientists who were involved in looking at the comparative geonomics found that there were between 20,000 to 25,000 ways that DNA could be sequenced which allowed for a huge breakthrough in medical advancements. Scientists and doctors were able to see which sequencing of genes caused diseases and were able to start modifying genes to help people with the diseases. While there were many people who were in favor of this project, there were also many individuals who were not. Dr. Martin Rechsteiner from the University of Utah, School and Medicine, was a driving figure in the effort to stop the funding for this project. He-as well as 55 other scholars from 33 different universities-thought that the project was a waste of funding and thought that the research as, “immoral.” While many scientists, professors, and politicians sought out to stop the project from happening, it prevailed.
While doing research for this project, I found that there were a lot of different medical advancements being made during this time. The HGP was one of many that focused on health and the modification of the human body. While many individuals were excited about these medical findings, a lot of people were very frightened as well. After reading Never Let Me Go, I think a lot of audiences can see the reflection of both the fear, excitement, and wonder reflected in Ishiguro’s piece. I believe that this novel reflects the essences of the medical advancements being made during this time and show how it was impacting people. I think that this research also helped me realize why Ishiguro structed the novel the way he did and why the characters are so complex with issues surrounding their personal autonomy and said state of, “exsolution,” from what we as the audience understand to be natural life.
Sources:
Human Genome Project - Genome Mapping, DNA Sequencing, Genomics | Britannica
Human Genome Project Fact Sheet