Nature | Column: World View

Jim Block Photography

Be prepared for the big genome leak

It is only a matter of time until idealism sees the release of confidential genetic data on study participants, says Steven E. Brenner.

12 June 2013

Most people in the United States could soon know someone whose genome is held in a research database. Concerns are growing about our ability to properly control access to that information. Also growing among some scientists is the feeling that restricting access to genomic data fetters research. How long will it be until an idealistic and technically literate researcher deliberately releases genome and trait information publicly in the name of open science?