The statement that "applied human genetics has come to touch every sphere of human life" is profoundly true, largely propelled by groundbreaking advances in molecular anthropology. Molecular anthropology, which utilizes molecular techniques (primarily DNA analysis) to study human evolution, migration, and variation, provides the fundamental knowledge base that underpins many applications of human genetics.

Recent Advances in Molecular Anthropology:

1. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): The ability to rapidly and cost-effectively sequence entire genomes (whole-genome sequencing) or specific regions (exome sequencing) has revolutionized our understanding of human genetic diversity, population structures, and disease susceptibility.
2. Ancient DNA (aDNA) Analysis: Breakthroughs in extracting and analyzing DNA from ancient human remains (bones, teeth, hair) have provided unprecedented insights into past populations, migration patterns (e.g., the peopling of the Americas, the spread of agriculture), and interbreeding with archaic hominins like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
3. CRISPR-Cas9 and Gene Editing: While primarily a tool for genetic engineering, the understanding of gene function and regulation derived from molecular anthropology contributes to the ethical and practical considerations of gene editing technologies.

How Applied Human Genetics Touches Every Sphere of Human Life:

1. Medicine and Health: This is perhaps the most direct impact.
   • Personalized Medicine: Genetic profiling allows for tailoring medical treatments and drug dosages to an individual's unique genetic makeup (pharmacogenomics), optimizing efficacy and minimizing side effects.
   • Disease Diagnosis and Risk Assessment: Genetic tests can identify predispositions to a wide range of diseases (e.g., certain cancers, Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis), enabling early intervention, preventative measures, or informed reproductive decisions.
   • Gene Therapy: Though still in its early stages, gene therapy aims to correct genetic defects responsible for diseases by introducing functional genes into a patient's cells.
   • Reproductive Health: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and prenatal screening allow prospective parents to assess genetic risks in embryos or fetuses.
2. Forensics and Justice: DNA fingerprinting is a cornerstone of modern forensic science, used for identifying criminals, exonerating the wrongly accused, and identifying human remains in mass disasters or archaeological contexts.
3. Ancestry and Genealogy: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing services have become immensely popular, allowing individuals to trace their ancestral origins, identify distant relatives, and learn about their genetic heritage, often revealing unexpected connections.
4. Anthropology and Human Evolution: Beyond its foundational role, applied genetics continues to refine our understanding of human origins, migration routes, population bottlenecks, and the genetic adaptations that allowed humans to thrive in diverse environments (e.g., lactose tolerance, high-altitude adaptation).
5. Agriculture and Food Security: Genetic modification of crops for increased yield, disease resistance, or nutritional value, and genetic selection in animal breeding, are critical for feeding a growing global population.
6. Ethics, Law, and Society: The widespread application of human genetics raises profound ethical, legal, and social questions concerning genetic privacy, discrimination, the potential for 'designer babies,' and the very definition of human identity and diversity.

In conclusion, the insights gleaned from molecular anthropology into human genetic variation, population history, and adaptation have provided the scientific bedrock upon which applied human genetics has expanded. This synergy has transformed fields from medicine to forensics, offering unprecedented opportunities while simultaneously necessitating careful consideration of the ethical and societal implications of our growing genetic knowledge.