Abstract: Improved pharmaceutical and diagnostic business systems and methods are disclosed. One or more genomes are scanned for single nucleotide polymorphisms. The polymorphisms are assigned to haplotype blocks, and representative SNPs from the haplotype blocks are used in association studies for pharmaceutical and diagnostic development.

Abstract: Several methods are described for assessing an individual's likelihood of developing or exhibiting a multifactorial trait. The methods include determining a plurality of genotypes for the individual at a plurality of biallelic polymorphic loci, using the genotypes to compute a score for the individual, and comparing the score to at least one threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention includes the use of any of the polymorphisms, SNP haplotype blocks or SNP haplotype patterns. In one embodiment, susceptibility to a phenotype resulting from an allele or marker in linkage disequilibrium with such polymorphic forms is evaluated. Novel therapeutic and diagnostic compounds and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining sequence similarity (conserved sequences) between nucleic acids from a first organism and nucleic acids from a second, different organism without having to know a priori the nucleic acid sequence from the second, different organism. The first nucleic acid can be from any organism where the sequence of the nucleic acid is known and the second nucleic acid can be from any organism. The method involves determining which bases from the second nucleic acid are identical to the first nucleic acid, and allows one to determine the sequence of portions of the second nucleic acid. The invention is useful for identifying putative functional regions or putative organism-sequences in a genome.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for performing genetic analyses. Full genomic DNA scans are performed on the genetic DNA from a plurality of individuals to identify genetic variants. For those variants, but not based on a full genetic DNA scan, the variants alone are scanned in additional individuals to identify blocks of the variants that tend to be inherited together.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides methods for amplifying a DNA target sequence. One embodiment of the present invention provides robust methods for amplification of target sequences. In a first aspect of the invention, a method for designing primer pairs for the amplification reaction is provided. In a further aspect of the invention, reagents and cycling parameters for the amplification reaction are provided.