#2. Human Mapped

In September physiologist and scientific maverick J. Craig Venter bared his genetic soul for the world to see. Along with researchers at his Maryland-based J. Craig Venter Institute and other institutions, Venter published his entire "diploid" genetic sequence, or all the DNA in both sets of chromosomes inherited from each of his parents — the first such genome ever published of a single person. Venter's feat brought science one step closer to the era of personalized medicine — and to being able to trace the roots of our genetic variations. It may not help to know which parent to blame for our bald pates or bifocals, but when it comes to more serious health risks, like heart disease and breast cancer, the stakes are higher.