The African Genome Variation Project is studying the DNA of 1800 people in Africa to examine genetic risk factors for disease. Scientists are trying to understand the genetic susceptibility of diseases. A team of African, UK and US researches set out to collect genetic material from 1800 people across Sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers found that people from South Africa are "less likely to carry a genetic mutation that offers protection against malaria than those from other parts of Africa." Africans are also more likely to have a greater risk of high blood pressure.
To their surprise, researchers discovered there are more genetic similarities in Africa than they thought. According to Dr. Sandhu, "The diversity among populations is not as diverse as we expected it to be. That's good because it means we can now design large scale trials to understand diseases susceptibility." It was also stated that this data can help researchers discover why some Africans are more susceptible to viruses than others.
I believe that by understanding and researching the genetic material of those in Africa, they will be more likely to find more information about malaria and Ebola and how it is more susceptible in different people. It was also stated that this data could help with therapeutic or medical approach on how to control and manage diseases. Not only do I agree, I think this would be of great help to the continent. I find it very interesting how much you can find out via DNA and what sort of information it leads to.
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