Studies linking DNA to traits have grown to enormous size. Genome-wide association studies now scan millions of people to find variants tied to disease. The scale sharpened the genetic map of common conditions.
Scan the genome
The method is broad. Millions of DNA sites are tested against traits. Associations emerge.
Massive cohorts
Size drives power. Biobanks supply millions of participants. Signals sharpen.
Many small effects
Biology is complex. Common diseases involve countless tiny contributions. No single gene dominates.
Polygenic scores
Prediction follows. Effects are summed into risk estimates. Utility is debated.
Diversity gap
A flaw persists. Most data come from European ancestry. Equity suffers.
Ongoing growth
Scale keeps rising. Ever-larger studies appear. The map fills in.
The bottom line
Genome-wide association studies now scan millions of people to link DNA variants to disease. They reveal many tiny effects behind common conditions. A lack of ancestral diversity remains a key limitation.
