Mapping Faces and Genes to Better Understand Human Diversity
Hot Metal Campus researchers are helping transform how we study complex human traits by combining facial imaging and genetic data. Seth Weinberg and Mary Marazita—based in Pitt’s Department of Human Genetics and the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics—contributed to a new method called INMTD. This tool analyzes 3D facial scans and genetic information at once, helping scientists group individuals in ways that better reflect biological patterns, without being misled by factors like age or sex.
INMTD stands out because it identifies population subgroups based on deep links between genetics and facial features. In testing, the method revealed meaningful patterns, such as associations between facial shape and bone development, or between eye structure and kidney function, offering insights into how our genes shape us. These findings could help tailor healthcare to different population subgroups in the future.
The work reflects a growing trend in biomedical research: using large-scale, multimodal datasets to understand human diversity better and inform clinical decisions.
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