Why is it in the news?

• Over the last decade, genomics has undergone a revolutionary shift with improved technologies, reducing the cost of whole-genome sequencing.
• Population-scale genome sequencing programs have emerged, decoding the genetic makeup of large populations.

More about the Global Initiatives

• Numerous countries and organizations worldwide are engaged in population-scale genome initiatives.
• Initiatives include the ‘100K Genome’ project in the UK, ‘1+ Million Genomes’ in the European Union, and ‘Three Million African Genomes.’
• Objectives include understanding disease prevalence, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.
• Some programs aim to build scalable public-health initiatives using genomic data for decision-making and medical care.
• Moreover, the cost of whole-genome sequencing is decreasing, making it more accessible.
• Growing evidence of the data’s usefulness suggests a significant number of individuals worldwide may have their genomes sequenced.
• Ethical Challenges: Concerns include equitable representation, access, and potential misuse of genetic data.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Some countries, like the U.S., have established regulatory frameworks (e.g., Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act) to prevent misuse of genetic data.

Conclusion

• Population-scale genomics extends beyond individual health to shape our understanding of human evolution, migration, and adaptation.
• Contributes significantly to knowledge of human biology and stands at the forefront of a genomic revolution.