Scientists in Europe recently developed a new database for DNA, creating a way to explore genes as well as inherited diseases from over 60,000 people included in the database.
This #CuresNow movement encourages using technology from the 21st century to develop cures for disease in the 21st century.
“Researchers have discovered more than 3,000 genes in which certain mutations are likely to play a role in disease, as well as more than 160 genetic mutations that have previously been linked to inherited conditions -- but are in fact harmless,” according to a report in The Guardian.
The scientists have also found approximately 7.5 million variants showing genetic mutations. All of these were found within the samples that are in the database. Researchers have emphasized that many of these mutations are new discoveries to modern science.
“More than half of those are seen only once in 60,000 people -- that’s an incredibly rare frequency,” Daniel MacArthur, senior author of the research from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, said.
The scientists are eager to use these new discoveries to find what factors may have an important role in a patient’s disease. The research will show the genetic mutations that have had a role in the disease developing within the patient. Their goal is to gain more understanding about the illness, so that they can help patients identify and treat their illnesses sooner.
