First 'average' human genome described from nearly a million individuals
Start here
Researchers at the University of Exeter have constructed the first description of an 'average' human genome, drawing on whole-genome data from nearly 1 million participants across the UK Biobank and All of Us studies. Published in Genome Medicine, the work establishes a reference baseline for human genetic variation, with implications for interpreting individual genomes and assessing disease risk. The analysis is grounded in large, population-scale datasets, allowing the team to characterize which genetic variants are typical and which depart from the norm. As of the paper's publication, the average genome stands as a defined reference point; open questions include how it will be applied in clinical risk assessment and extended to more diverse populations.
Written by a model from the reports · updated 2 hours ago
Coverage timeline
Follow the coverage to see the different angles.
- medicalxpress.comPick'Average' human genome described for first time, with implications for disease risk
A University of Exeter team analyzed whole-genome data from nearly 1 million individuals in the UK Biobank and All of Us studies to describe the "average" human genome for the first time. The paper was published in Genome Medicine, DOI: 10.1186/s13073-026-01792-x.
Heat trend for this story
Heat now 6·Peak in the comparable set 10 (Oct 22 20:00)·Change over 24h in the comparable set –·Participants now 1
Participants counted above, heat below. The trend compares only the participants observed in full throughout, so its set can be smaller than the heat figure itself. Move the pointer or click the chart for an hour's reading; the left and right arrow keys work too.