risk scores

Polygenic risk scores (PGSs) are used to predict an individual’s risk for particular conditions using data from multiple genes. Although the scores may be able to provide valuable insight into disorders, such as type 2 diabetes risk, without a health care professional, they can be misused. In a new article, researchers from the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Harvard Medical School argue for increased regulation of genetic tests by the US Food and Drug Administration, specifically in regard to PGSs.