He also is deeply involved in personal genomics, pushing for the sequencing of people’s genes, especially for the purpose of diagnosing diseases that haven’t been identified by conventional means. The genomics industry has been growing rapidly because the cost of sequencing a genome has plummeted to about $3,500 and is expected to fall to $1,000 by the end of the year. Such sequencing can help scientists develop drugs that more effectively fight and prevent disease, and, over time, it will help physicians to better chose a drug for individual patients.

Topol also made headlines recently for his work on an experimental blood test that might be able to get a person up to two weeks notice that they are at serious risk of experiencing a heart attack. Scientists hope to eventually develop a wearable device that regularly samples a person’s blood, watching for an increase in the type of cells that indicate that a heart attack could occur.