Human Genome Variation database launches

Today marks the launch of a fully searchable open access database of human genome variants. The data accompanies Data Reports (a new article type) published in the open access Human Genome Variation journal, providing a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.

The database allows users to search and filter genomic data by different variables, including specific disease, gene, population or region. Collating data from anonymised patients across the globe will have positive implications for clinicians and researchers trying to learn more about disease and human health. All data is licensed under a CC0 waiver.

The database will be managed by Human Genome Variation and is powered by Figshare, a technology company who work with publishers and institutions to help manage and enhance their research data. Human Genome Variation, a new open access journal from Nature Publishing Group, publishes its first Data Reports this month. Data Reports are standardized reports about genomic variation and variability, especially in relation to disease.

The fact that both the data and the journal articles are open access will facilitate data and text mining and large-scale systematic analysis, which is particularly important in this field, as most clinicians may only see one or two examples of any particular genome variant in their lifetime.

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