In a major step toward one day offering gene-based customized medicine, scientists on Thursday unveiled the first map of common human genetic variations -- patterns of DNA differences that may help forecast people’s disease risks and best treatments. This map, created by California-based Perlegen Sciences Inc., is essentially the first chapter in the quest to identify tiny bits of genetic information, known as SNPs or “snips”, believed key in creating gene-based medicine. A more detailed version is expected later this year. “It is a dramatic advance,” said Barbara Jasny, a senior editor at the journal Science, which published the research Thursday. The study also was presented at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
