As biologys first big science collaboration, the international Human Genome Project mapped and sequenced the entire human genome, paving the way for unparalleled innovations in medicine, biotech and life sciences.

More than 8 million people can now trace their origins to this scientific breakthrough, which began with a single in vitro fertilization (IVF) birth four decades ago. By 2100, IVF could be responsible for 3.5 percent of the global population.

This relatively simple gene-editing technique carries world-changing implications: By allowing scientists to precisely change an organisms DNA on the spot, CRISPR could eradicate inherited diseases or cure existing ones. Since its inception in 2012, CRISPR has fueled much controversy too, as teams look to modify everything from crops to mosquitos. That discussion reached a fever pitch this year after a scientist in China claimed to have created the worlds first babies genetically edited with CRISPR.

Identifying individuals based on hair, blood or other biological samples may seem a given now. But its only possible because of this breakthrough sciencewhich also has led to new findings in cancer and genetic conditions.

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Top 10 biotech innovations of all time, including CRISPR, IVF babies - Genetic Literacy Project

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