MAJOR SPOILERS
WARNING! This article contains MAJOR spoilers for the recently released novel Paths of Disharmony. Caution is advised.

The Taurus meta-genome was discovered by the USS Constellation in the area of space known as the Taurus Reach in 2263 and information on it was considered highly classified.

The meta-genome was created unknown thousands of years ago by the race known as the Shedai when they went into a state of extended hibernation. The Shedai expected to use the information contained in the meta-genome to rebuild their ancient civilization upon their awakening.

The incredibly complex DNA, originally found in a simple mold, contained millions of chromosomes, only a small number of which were needed for a mold, or any known life-form. The rest of the information contained in the DNA was a huge amount of raw technological data, the full extent of which is currently unknown. What is known is that information gained from the Taurus meta-genome led to the invention of the Project Genesis technology, and medical breakthroughs such as dermal regenerators.

Upon realizing the full potential of the meta-genome, Starfleet fast-tracked the construction of the Vanguard station in the Taurus Reach in order to study this new discovery more closely.

The meta-genome has been known to have been found on the worlds Ravanar IV, Erilon, Palgrenax, and Gamma Tauri IV. (VGD novels: Harbinger, Summon the Thunder, Reap the Whirlwind)

In the 24th century information on the genome had become so highly classified that it could only be viewed by the President of the United Federation of Planets and Commander-in-Chief of the Federation Starfleet together. In 2381 the Tholian Assembly began secretly transmitting information on the genome to the Andorians in an effort to cure their reproductive issues. In 2382, the Tholians would reveal their involvement and that the Federation had been hiding the treatment from the Andorian people. This would later result in the Andorian's deciding to terminate their membership in the Federation. (ST - Typhon Pact novel: Paths of Disharmony)