Scientists last year finished the momentous task of completely mapping the human genome — an accomplishment that, by comparing it with an individual’s genetic information, helps catch problems that might cause disease.
But that original map, known as a reference genome, was based on about 20 individuals. It didn’t capture the diversity of the human population and could lead to blind spots in biomedical research. Now, scientists have released a draft of a much more diverse map, called a “pangenome.”
It includes the genetic material of 47 people from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe.
“It’s really exciting,” said Guillaume Bourque, a professor in the department of human genetics
