What are Biobanks and Genetic Databases?
The human genome was mapped initially in 2000 and finally in 2004. Some 30,000 genes have been identified. The function of most of these, however, remains unknown. One important use of the human genome project will be the ability to discover the genes that are connected with health and illness. This will help our understanding of health and illness enormously. We expect that this will also eventually allow the development of new treatments and preventions of disease. However, most of this research will need large numbers of people and DNA samples. Recent scientific developments now allow very large numbers of DNA samples to be analysed, along with connected health information. We are therefore able to collect and process the necessary information for this research. “Biobank” is the term used to describe a large collection of DNA and health information. Several countries across the world, including Scotland, are investing a lot of money in establishing Biobanks. They all have similariti
