No one can achieve perfection. A main issue faced in research studies is predominantly impacted by sampling bias, resulting in skewed results. In Genetic studies, participants and data are collected from genetic databases. As useful as the genetic database is, one problem arises. Most primarily ascertainment bias, in other words, genetic data collected does not accurately encompass the intended study population. This curiosity was credited to Oxford's Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and Big Data Institute, which conducted a study to understand why certain individuals stand out in the database. Using the largest biomedical databases. The UK Biobank brought attention to a genetic footprint left on ascertained genotypes, that corresponds to the trait of probability of participation of participants. Sounds like an easy fix for participation bias. Although evidence in alleles that are common in genetic segments of participants suggests correlation to the percentage of participants participating in studies. However, it is still difficult to compare genetic information of participation with nonparticipants directly. In theory, taking note of the variety of participant behavior, and health traits could improve analyses of the study data. Research is ever evolving to fully understand the main question. What is a gene?
Links:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2023-07-13-participating-genetic-studies-your-genes-oxford-study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01439-2
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