Feature

Uncommon Carriers

People have a surprising number of rare genetic variants

By Tina Hesman Saey

August 10, 2012 at 9:54 am - More than 2 years ago

If variety lends life flavor, then humans are kicking things up to a previously unrecognized notch on the spice-o-meter.

Denis Cristo/Shutterstock, adapted by B. Rakouskas

GENETIC STRIPES Different populations show differing degrees of genetic variability. As scientists study more people, they expect the number of variants uncovered will continue to rise (dotted lines show predictions).