GVSU, renowned biologist explore what’s next in healthcare

Hood's own big idea was instrumental in advancing the analysis of DNA. His work on automated DNA sequencing laid the groundwork to make large-scale genomic research possible and contributed to the technological foundation of the Human Genome Project .

The Human Genome Project mapped the sequence of the human genome, making significant advances in biomedical research. Thanks to the Human Genome Project, physicians can tailor treatment to a patient's specific genetic code and also help researchers track gene mutations more efficiently which leads to quicker diagnoses.

Hood said the next evolution in healthcare and medicine involves advancing the results of the Human Genome Project toward the Human Phenome Initiative . He used a musical analogy to explain the relationship between the genome and the phenome.

"Your genome is like a piece of music a composer has written," Hood said. "Your phenome is you being the conductor that's conducting the music. You decide how well that music plays out."

The phenome encompasses the observable characteristics of an individual, including traits influenced by genetics, environment and lifestyle. Hood said it can provide insight into a person's health and help identify opportunities to prevent ailments or disease before they develop.

"For example, we can detect your likelihood of ACL tears, and they are exercises you can do to avoid that," Hood said. "It makes sense to know what your limitations are.

"There are thousands of possibilities that we can open up, and it's going to be very exciting. The most valuable resource every human has is their health."