Genetic Screening

The human genome project is a joint initiative on the part of the industrialised countries aimed at providing financial incentives to accelerate the process of charting human genetic material (DNA). The project has helped to identify, localise and clarify the structure of an increasing number of genes which play a role in the origin and development of disease (pathogenesis). This is leading to a greater understanding of genetics and, as a result, to improved techniques for diagnosing diseases, above all those in which genetic factors play a part.