Research highlights

This section showcases recent research findings enabled by FinnGen data and the Finnish biobank participants. Below you can find several examples of how FinnGen is helping to increase our understanding of the genetic drivers of human diseases, pinpointing possible therapeutic targets.
The power of a genetic isolate: Hundreds of novel genetic discoveries from the FinnGen study
A map of Finland with chromosomes surrounding it, and human figures representing all stages of human lifespan.
New results from the FinnGen research consortium demonstrate the undeniable benefits of Finnish health research environment for genomic research. Among the wealth of novel genetic discoveries are…
Beyond Mendel: FinnGen study sheds new light on well-established theories of genetic inheritance
A drawing of a family with two children, showing the classical inheritance model, with question marks on top.
A large-scale biobank-based study performed in Finland has discovered several new disease genes as well as new insights on how known genetic factors affect disease. The study highlights an…
Study finds gene linked with risk of delirium
Human brain with abstract neural network lines on a blue background.
A major genetic risk factor for delirium has been identified in a landmark study that analysed the DNA of more than one million people worldwide.
Advances in the treatment of heart disease
Hand holding a heart-shaped graphic with an ECG line.
Cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation can pose a significant health risk or even lead to sudden death. At the same time, the prevention and treatment of these conditions is very difficult…
Genes may predict suicide risk in depression
A person wearing a hooded jacket and jeans stands alone on a metal railway bridge, facing away from the camera.
Depression in young adulthood has a stronger hereditary component and is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts than depression that begins later in life, according to a new study…
Genes reveal why some older people suffer from frailty
Close-up of an elderly person's hands resting on a wooden cane, with one hand gently placed over the other.
A new study has identified genetic variants linked to brain function, immune defence and metabolism that contribute to the development of frailty in older people. The study, published in Nature Aging…
A gene variant increasing the risk for long COVID identified
A woman is sitting on a windowsill, looking out of a window where you can see apartment buildings. A graphic of a large viral particle has been added to the image.
An international study on long Covid, led by the University of Helsinki and drawing on data from more than one million individuals, has pinpointed a genetic factor that predisposes people to…
Researchers discover a novel gene variant in Finns that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
DNA double helix.
Found in the Finnish population, a rare variant of the TYROBP gene significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a new study led by the University of Eastern Finland shows. This gene…
Genetic predisposition to sedentary behaviour increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Legs of a woman jogging.
Researchers have shown for the first time that genetic predisposition to sedentary behaviour is associated with a higher risk of developing the most common cardiovascular diseases. A high genetic…
Researchers identify new genes predisposing to inflammation of the iris
Closeup of a human eye.
An international study led by the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital has identified six genetic regions associated with the inflammation of the eye's iris, also known as anterior…