Part 6: Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Part 6: Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes.

The first maroon and white wedge-shaped exhibit closest to the stairs focuses on Cardiovascular Disease. 

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. Like other common diseases, heart disease involves many genes. This makes it very challenging for scientists to pinpoint the genetic roots of these diseases and find new ways to treat them. So they are collaborating with data and computational scientists to utilize the power of AI and machine learning. This approach helps researchers zoom in closely on the biological factors contributing to heart disease. Take a Deeper Look into machine learning and how scientists develop preventive treatments at the digital exhibit on the inside of this panel.

The exhibit closest to the window focuses on another common disease, Diabetes. To create a clear picture of a disease like diabetes, scientists must analyze datasets that are representative of the diverse populations of the world. Some populations have unique genetic variants that offer insights into potential therapeutics. Type 2 Diabetes offers a good example of what can be learned by studying non-European populations. For example, researchers in Mexico in collaboration with the Broad discovered a couple of specific genetic variants only in Mexican populations that play a key role in Type 2 Diabetes. These variants could point the way to new targeted therapies for the condition. Take a Deeper Look in the digital exhibit on the inside of this panel to learn about this collaboration and diabetes data portals that scientists are using.

When you are ready, make your way to the remaining two maroon and white wedge-shaped exhibits across from you.