Scientists involved in the international Human Genome Project have entered the final phase of their project to decode the genetic book of life.
The experts based at 16 centres worldwide are close to producing a working draft covering 90 per cent of the human genome, with work expected to finish in June.
John Sulston, director of the Sanger Centre, near Cambridge, said: "The finishing phase should proceed rapidly. While the target for completion is officially 2003, the majority of the work will be accomplished much sooner."