While the positive effects of the human genome project are astounding to anyone interested in science, the rest of the world may find it a little dull. However there is one common denominator amongst the masses; television. Some of the most popular television shows on the air would not exist without the success of the Human Genome Project.
The CSI franchise is one show that relies heavily on the advancements provided by the Human Genome Project. A show about crime told from the perspective of the detectives who investigate them, CSI uses DNA samples taken from blood, fingernails, hair or bodily fluids in nearly every episode. This capability would not exist, either on television or in real live, without the success of the Human Genome Project.
Another television show that exists because of the Human Genome Project is Bones. This crime drama is told from the perspectives of the scientists who are called in to investigate crimes. Since the show typically deals with horribly mutilated or disfigured corpses, the only way to get a positive ID on these victims is though DNA testing and evidence. Not only can DNA be used to implicate suspects, it can also be used to identify victims.
Finally, and perhaps most popularly, Maury Povich’s weekly “who is my baby’s daddy” episodes are exclusively made possible thanks to the Human Genome Project. Now that DNA can be easily and accurately collected and tested, determining the paternitiy of a child is easy and foolproof. Because of the high cost of DNA testing, a paternity test is not for everyone, but those who agree to have one performed on national television have the added bonus of getting their tests done for free.
Although the Human Genome Project has made invaluable contributions to the fields of justice, medicine and paternity, perhaps its biggest impact can be found on television. Thanks to the conclusions made by this project, there is an entirely new and untapped market for television shows which are currently thriving.