Photograph by Evan Hurd/Getty Images 2001: The Institute for
Genomic Research, founded by Venter, helps sequence the genome
of the anthrax strain mailed in the attacks that killed five
people evidence that eventually leads the FBI to the source.
2004: Sorcerer II, Venters 95-foot sailboat, leaves Halifax,
Nova Scotia, on a two-year circumnavigation of the globe in
search of new microbial species for DNA sequencing. 2005: Venter
starts the for-profit Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI) to work on
solving global problems, such as fossil-fuel dependence,
environmental degradation and disease epidemics. 2007: He
establishes another first by mapping the 6-billion-letter code
of his own diploid genome (DNA from both chromosome pairs, one
from each parent), discovering a genetic predisposition for blue
eyes, antisocial behavior and heart disease. 2008: Using a
computer code and four bottles of chemicals, Venters lab creates
the largest man-made DNA structure by synthesizing and
assembling the 582,970-base-pair genome of a