Genomics, health care, and society.

Copyright © 2011 Massachusetts Medical Society. A new generation of genomic technologies permits the increased collection of data on large study populations.1,2 New methods in informatics facilitate the integration of diverse types of information with genomic data in disease research. As a result, researchers are learning more about the genetic bases of disease and response to drugs.3-6 Genetic tests, including many that are offered directly to the consumer, are growing in number and clinical relevance. Genomic knowledge and technologies are also being adopted in areas distant from human health. Here, I describe evolving policies pertinent to genetic and genomic research, the integration of genetics into clinical care, and the broader issues raised by genetic technologies and information.