What is GWAS?

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identify genetic variants that are associated with specific traits or health conditions. Researchers use these studies for complex traits that result from multiple genes and environmental factors.

How GWAS Works

In a GWAS, scientists compare the DNA of people with a trait (like diabetes) to people without it. If a certain variant is more common in people with the trait, they say that variant is "associated" with that trait.

Usually, GWAS studies must include thousands of people to discover these genetic associations reliably.

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