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The race to sequence the human genome - Tien Nguyen

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In 1990, The Human Genome Project proposed to sequence the entire human genome over 15 years with $3 billion of public funds. Then, seven years before its scheduled completion, a private company called Celera announced that they could accomplish the same goal in just three years at a fraction of the cost. Tien Nguyen details the history of this race to sequence the human genome.

The Human Genome Project finished years ahead of schedule, likely because Celera entered the race to sequence the human genome. What are some pros and cons of competition in science?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Tien Nguyen
  • Director Barak Drori
  • Artist Yossi Gavan
  • Producer Michal Boico
  • Collaborator Office of Research Integrity
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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