1000 Genomes Project Releases Pilot Genome Data

eldavojohn writes "Three pilot projects have been completed for the 1000 Genomes Project and as a result, the pilot data has been released. This makes the data of nearly 700 people available for analysis via FTP (Americas mirror, European mirror). Dr. Eric D. Green of the National Human Genome Research Institute said, 'The 1000 Genomes project has a simple goal: peer more deeply into the genetic variations of the human genome to understand the genetic contribution to common human diseases. I am excited about the progress being made on this resource for use by scientists around the world and look forward to seeing what we learn from the next stage of the project.' There's not a whole lot of information on their site about this data, but the repositories have many readme files explaining the data layout."

Double edged sword

[Wowsers]

The genome project has the potential to help people with their illnesses, especially with tailored treatment instead of the generic drugs that work on some people, but not on others and might cause toxicity with certain combinations of drugs which you won't know until you are subjected to that combination.

On the flip side, this could be a governments wonder weapon. Target a specific trait in the DNA, ie. people with black hair, or men, etc. etc. and kill them off, or make them weaker... all sorts of nasty things.

Re:Double edged sword

[Anonymous Coward]

On the flip side, this could be a governments wonder weapon. Target a specific trait in the DNA, ie. people with black hair, or men, etc. etc. and kill them off, or make them weaker... all sorts of nasty things.

Stop it with the ill-informed conspiracy mongering. There are downsides to human sequencing, but not for the reasons you've described. A lack of DNA sequencing has never stopped people from killing individuals with the traits you enumerated. So what are the problems?

• Genetic testing without genetic counseling: What does a 1.2 increased risk of Alzheimer's mean?
• Genetic discrimination: Sorry, you have a 1.1 OR risk allele for multiple sclerosis. We can't insure you.
• Racism: Ah, your blood isn't pure enough, your children can't attend our schools.
• Inconsistent genealogy: You can figure this one out.

None of these rely on bizarre science fiction weapons to cause harm. Please don't spread FUD.

Re:Would you guys stop messing with the godamn cod

[WrongSizeGlass]

AC complaining != /.ers caring. I'm just sayin'

4% genes of 2% total DNA of 700 people

[peter303]

Tis probably more comprehensive than marker studies, but not really whole genomes. Who knows how important the so-called junk regions will be eventually?