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The Best Genetic Risk Tools Don’t Work Equally for Everyone

NYT > Science·July 20, 2026
The Best Genetic Risk Tools Don’t Work Equally for Everyone

She notes that genetic prediction models have the potential to revolutionize medicine, but their effectiveness is limited by a significant bias. These models have been trained primarily on European DNA, which means they may not be as accurate for individuals of other ethnic backgrounds. As a result, the use of these models could exacerbate existing healthcare disparities, particularly for underrepresented populations. This limitation underscores the need for more diverse genetic data to ensure equal access to accurate genetic risk assessments.

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