Affymetrix participates in Asian genetic study

Nov. 22, 2004 – Affymetrix Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX, News, Web) is providing new microarray technology to a group of scientists studying genetic diversity in Asian populations. The Human Genome Organization Pacific Pan-Asian SNP Initiative, which is expected to start in mid-2005, seeks to develop a detailed genetic “map” of human history in Asia, showing how nearly half of the world’s population migrated throughout the region and settled to form distinct cultures. The information could form the basis for future studies in genomic medicine focused on Asian populations, according to a news release.

Affymetrix’s technology will allow the researchers to analyze 50,000 genetic differences, or single nucleotide polymorphisms. The technology combines semiconductor processes with chemistry to put millions of different strands of DNA on a glass chip the size of a thumbnail. Organizers said in the release that the study is a natural sequel to the Human Genome Project, which showed how similar humans are, but revealed little about genetic differences. The results will be placed in a public database.

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