The human genome genetic code was decoded on this day 23 years ago with a cooperative effort from medical researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and a few select other university partners in the project.   

The breakthrough signaled the start of a new era in medicine, one that held the promise of novel, game-changing treatments for some of mankind’s most deadly and debilitating diseases..

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo credit: Kenneth Rodriguez, Pixabay