The scientists who democratized the study of DNA: "We are not far from everyone having their genome sequenced"

The complete sequencing of the human genome, which cost over a billion dollars in 2000, can now be done for under 900 euros in just hours. This advancement is credited to scientists David Klenerman, Pascal Mayer, and Shankar Balasubramanian, who will receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Scientific and Technical Research. Their next-generation sequencing technologies have significantly impacted various fields, including cancer research and rare disease diagnostics. The rapid sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies their contributions. The researchers emphasize the potential for precision medicine and early disease detection, highlighting the importance of scientific discovery in addressing global health challenges.