For the last few decades, scientists have been intently decoding the genes of dozens of organisms, from bacteria to humans. The effort, which culminated in 2000 with the deciphering of the human genome's roughly thirty thousand genes, reflects researchers' increasing adeptness at "reading" the language of DNA. It's a biological literacy that has meant dramatic advances in understanding the genetic basis of health and disease, bringing with them the promise of safer and more effective drugs.

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