Faulty Gene-Scanning Chip Calls Results of Major Lifespan Study Into Question
DNA Chip The HumanOmniExpress bead chip can be used for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) like a controversial study reported in Science last week. At least one geneticist says the 610-Quad chip -- which is similar to this one and also manufactured by Illumina -- has a particular quirk that may have resulted in false positives. Illumina Though many scientists hailed the results last week, some geneticists expressed doubt about a study that linked several genes to extreme old age. Now, at least one expert is saying the DNA analysis chips used to conduct the study may have led to faulty results. The study authors defend their work, but said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that they were re-examining their analysis. Specifically, Newsweek quotes an Icelandic geneticist who says the DNA analysis chip used for part of the study, the 610-Quad, has a quirk that can lead to false positives. Kári Stefánsson, who...