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Innovation: Considering Culture In Genomics

Each person has different biological traits based on family lineage, and scientists are finding certain cultures and ethnic groups have unique biological traits. That information can change genetic research that aims to improves lives.

Joseph Yracheta is a pharmacogenomics researcher with Missouri Breaks Industry Research. He says scientists can recognize different biological responses at a genetic level. Yracheta says environments sometimes trigger health reactions in bodies across cultures. Still other responses only occur in people people in specific groups. He points to the Amish, Jewish or certain Native American communities.

Cara Hetland is the Director of Radio and Journalism Content for South Dakota Public Broadcasting.