What can research about gene variations tell us about disease risk?
A. As they continue to discover combinations of gene variations and external factors that contribute to specific diseases, scientists are building a more complete picture of how to detect which people are at risk of common diseases. This research also is helping to reveal the biological pathways through which gene variations contribute to disease. Scientists can use this information to design better screening and prevention for specific diseases, and find more precise molecular targets at which to aim as they develop new medications.
