In Iceland’s DNA, New Clues to Disease-Causing Genes

On March 25^th, an article was published describing the studies and data that a genetics firm in Iceland called Decode was able to collect. Researchers sequenced 2, 636 genomes in an attempt to discover unknown gene mutations that could potentially play an impact in terms of increasing likeability to contract an illness. Through the study, they were able to identify mutations on certain genes that are associated with both rare and common illnesses by observing which people suffering from what illness had what specific gene mutation in common. This study is important in finding effective drugs for diseases and being able to generate reports for genetic disease on individuals who haven’t even participated in the testing themselves.

Sources:

—  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/science/in-icelands-dna-clues-to-what-genes-may-cause-disease.html

—  http://www.decode.com/publications/
Nadia Khan