2 · A short history of biomedicine 33 After the first draft of the human genome was announced with much fanfare in 2000, a so-called "finished version" became available in 2004. With each segment having been sequenced up to ten times, this version was deemed to be 99.9% accurate. The number of actual protein-coding genes has been revised downward from earlier esti- mates to around 25,000. This makes the human genome about equiv- alent in coding sequences to that of the mouse and chicken, with the sobering realization that we actually have fewer coding sequences than the mustard plant or ordinary rice. 14 Appendix C, "Complexity of the Genome," further discusses the human genome. Conclusion This chapter explained that the first wave of progress in preventing premature death started with astute observations about how diseases are spread. The gradual adoption of hygienic practices and epidemio- logical protocols in hospitals and communities saved countless lives. The discoveries of vaccines and antibiotics started a second wave of disease prevention. These breakthroughs had a dramatic impact on mortality from infectious diseases, especially in the developed world.