In 2003, the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) “Human Genome Project” (HGP) announced that it had completed its research involving the mapping of the entirety of the human genome. It revealed that there are over 20,000 individual genes in the human body, providing scientists and others with detailed information about the structure, organization and function of the human genome, along with a basic set of genetic patterns for the development and function of a human being.

We live in a time where medical technology is evolving faster than we can imagine. For that we have exceptional and dedicated scientists and researchers to thank. In 2008, the Human Microbiome Project was established, “with the mission of generating resources that would enable the comprehensive characterization of the human microbiome and analysis of its role in human health and disease.”

Digital medicine is an emerging technology which is likely to have an immensely disruptive influence on the medical device market.¹ It is central to the concept of digital health, a confluence of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and biomarkers, which are enabling us to know human biology on an individual basis.² These new digital tools are capable of recording clinical data and generating medical information, and make it possible to develop digital medicine that is more precise, effective and widely distributed than current medical practices.³ While digital medicine first emerged a few years ago as wearable devices, the newest generation of ingestible electronics will allow practitioners to diagnose, detect and monitor physiological conditions across a wide range of diagnostics and therapeutics.

Telehealth and telemedicine are fast becoming a central theme for healthcare delivery in the U.S. and in many cases, around the world. In our highly technological world, the healthcare industry is harnessing the power of technology to best meet the needs of those they serve through the use of remote medical services. While telehealth and telemedicine are closely aligned terms, they describe distinct matters.

The Human Genome Project (HGP), which started in 1990 and was completed in 2003, spurred a revolution in biotechnology innovation around the world. The project helped map the understanding of all human genes, and paved the way for a completely new approach to our healthcare – personalized medicine. But with any new developments, no matter how impactful, some very important questions and concerns must be raised. With personalized medicine and its associated genetic sequencing, there are ethical, social and legal implications.