Scientists Reveal Irish Genome

Scientists from the Conway Institute at University College Dublin have successfully analysed the genetic code of an Irish person. Researchers used advanced DNA sequencing technology to carry out the landmark study which took a year and cost €30,000. It now provides the first complete genetic picture of a typical Irish person and the study hopes to be able to find answer as as to why we are more susceptible to certain diseases, like cystic fibrosis. The DNA from an Irish man with a confirmed Irish ancestary spanning three generations was used - he also had a variation that was typically Irish. Scientists have already made one discovery - a variation in the sequence that disrupts a gene associated with inflamatory bowel disease. The first ever analysis of a human genome was completed in 2003. See two great articles in the Irish Times for more: here and here.