UK DNA shared in worldwide search for genetic causes of disease

The genomes of thousands of Britons have been used to identify rare genetic varients that raise the risk of illnesses including heart disease and obesity

The DNA of thousands of British people has been read and made available to researchers around the world to boost the search for genetic causes of disease.

The genomes of 4,000 healthy people are being shared with international scientists, along with detailed information on the participants' height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and 60 other medical measurements.