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.
Genetic factors are associated with educational field choices
Eri värisiin opiskelijahaalareihin pukeutuneiden henkilöiden jalkoja ruohikolla.
A new Nordic study was the first to investigate the impact of genetic and social factors in shaping educational pathways. The study showed that genes have a small but clearly detectable influence on…
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…
The genetic findings reveal the reason for the exceptionally high prevalence of cleft palate in Finland
a row of wooden blocks engraved with DNA double helix patterns. One block in the middle is red and stands out from the others.
The prevalence of cleft palate in Finland is more than twice the European average. A research team identified genetic variants that explain this phenomenon, as well as a regional distribution where…
A significant genetic defect linked to female infertility identified in Finland
Mobile toy for babies with three soft toys hanging from it.
A study has discovered a genetic defect that affects the maturation of oocytes, leading to infertility in women. This discovery provides new insights into the genetic causes of infertility and may…
Researchers discover dozens of new genes associated with disc herniations
An abstract human figure with a red glowing sphere at the lower back.
Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common structural changes in the lower back and the most common cause of radiating pain, or sciatica, in the leg.
Study Identifies Severe Side Effects of the Most Effective Schizophrenia Medication
A blue-toned abstract image showing two superimposed human profiles.
A recent Finnish study found that pneumonia and severe gastrointestinal complications are more common with the most effective schizophrenia medication than previously thought. These side effects…