Eric Lander Human Quotations

Having a sequence of the human genome is good, but our ability to interpret it was limited. The mouse sequence provides, for the first time, an ability to determine what matters and what doesn't in the human genome.

Of the more than 5,500 mammals living today, dogs are arguably the most remarkable. The incredible physical and behavioral diversity of dogs -- from Chihuahuas to Great Danes -- is encoded in their genomes. It can uniquely help us understand embryonic development, neurobiology, human disease and the basis of evolution.

Evolutionary analysis is a handmaiden to human medicine.

The human genome itself is just a parts list. The human genome with the chimp genome tells us how these parts have changed.

The goal is not just butterfly collecting or mammal collecting to simply describe mammals. All of that comparative work across mammals is about informing the human genome for medicine. Until we actually understand all the working parts within our genome, we won't really be able to practice the most informed medicine.