Fifty-four years after discovering the double helix structure of the genetic material DNA, James Watson obtained the sequence of his own genome.

Today (May 31), at a ceremony held at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Watson received a CD containing his genome data.

The activity to sequence Watson, one of the discoverers of the DNA double helix structure, was jointly initiated by 454 Life Sciences and Baylor College of Medicine.

Scientists in Houston said it was also "the first personal genome to be determined for less than $1 million."

Prior to this, the personal genome of Craig Venter, a pioneer in genome sequencing, had also been sequenced.

The genome data of both of them have also been deposited in the public genetic database GenBank.

Four years ago, the Human Genome Project was announced to be completed.

The plan lasted 13 years and cost $3 billion.

The Human Genome Project splices together the genome information of many people.

Today, with the significant improvement in sequencing efficiency, it took less than 3 months to sequence Watson personally.

The completion of Watson's genome sequencing remains largely symbolic - it heralds the beginning of personalized medicine, but the genome itself won't provide much useful health information for Watson.

The National Human Genome Research Institute is planning to sequence the genomes of hundreds of people in an effort to gain information about disease.

The X Prize Foundation has announced a reward: If someone can test the genomes of 100 people within 10 days, he will receive a reward of US$1 million.

However, some scientists have expressed uneasiness about the exciting start of personal genome sequencing.

They say that starting with the genomes of famous scientists and celebrities would give the impression that personal genome technology is a tool for the powerful.