Pioneering geneticist and decoder of the human genome J. Craig Venter dies at age 79

April 30, 20263 min read Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmScientist and medical technology entrepreneur J. Craig Venter published the first bacterial genome ever decoded in 1995. The result heralded a new age of discovery for geneticsBy Claire Cameron Geneticist J. Craig Venter in a photograph from 2015. K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty ImageJ. Craig Venter, the scientist who raced to decode the human genome, has died at age 79.Venter rose to fame in the field for publishing the first bacterial genome ever decoded, along with a list of gene annotations, in 1995. The achievement kicked off an age of discovery in genetics, with researchers racing to decode the genomes of other pathogens—and eventually animals.As founder of Celera Genomics in 1998, Venter honed his method of decoding—whole-genome shotgun sequencing—which can rapidly sequence different parts of the genome at the same time and then uses machine learning to reassemble them in the right order. The technique allowed him to enter the race to decode the human genome late.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and