Inaugural volume of human phenome book series debuts at Shanghai forum

Leroy Hood, a world renowned scientist and recipient of the Lasker Awards, unveiled the Chinese version of his new book, The Age of Scientific Wellness, at the 2024 Pujiang Innovation Forum held at the Zhangjiang Science Hall on Sept 7. This publication, which outlines Hood's vision for a data-driven approach to healthcare, marks the inaugural volume in the International Human Phenome Project series.

Hood, a member of all four major American science academies and a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has consistently pushed the boundaries of science throughout his career. He is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to molecular biology, medicine, systems biology, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. His invention of the first automated DNA sequencer in 1986 revolutionized the field of genomics, paving the way for the Human Genome Project and subsequent advancements in genetic research.

Hood, joined by Jin Li, president of Fudan University, and UK scientist Jeremy Nicholson, established the International Human Phenome Consortium in 2018. The consortium aims to unlock the secrets of human health by mapping the human phenome – the complete set of an individual's physical and biochemical traits.

The Age of Scientific Wellness summarizes Hood's research and practical applications of P4 medicine, a concept he champions as the future of healthcare. P4 medicine emphasizes a predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory approach to healthcare, leveraging big data and technology to optimize individual well-being.

The book details how this scientific wellness model can delay the onset of chronic diseases and improve the management of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Hood also explores the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize healthcare by shifting the focus from disease treatment to health maintenance.

Jin, a long-time colleague of Hood, oversaw the translation and publication of the Chinese edition of the book. In his preface, Jin emphasizes the book's potential to inspire innovation and enrich the public's understanding of healthcare and the frontiers of technology.

Luo Bin contributed to this story.