How are Genetic Mutations Studied in Epidemiology?
In epidemiology, genetic mutations are studied to understand their role in the occurrence and distribution of diseases within populations. This involves:
- Genetic Epidemiology: A subfield that focuses on the familial and hereditary aspects of diseases. - Population Genetics: Studies the frequency of genetic mutations in populations and how they change over time. - Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Identify associations between specific genetic variations and particular diseases.
These methodologies help in identifying risk factors and understanding the etiology of diseases.
