Genomics. 1000 Genomes Project gives new map of genetic diversity.

By sequencing hundreds of human genomes, the 1000 Genomes Project has produced the most detailed catalog of human variation ever: a compendium of millions of previously unknown single-nucleotide polymorphisms and other variants. This treasure chest of genetic data is described in the 28 October issue of Nature . Researchers are already using those data to pinpoint DNA involved in both complex and inherited diseases. Also, on page 641 of this week9s issue of Science , a second analysis describes an approach for determining another aspect of genetic variation that arises when genes and other stretches of DNA are duplicated. There is growing interest in these so-called copy number variants because of their potential ties to disease risk.