Individual Identification by Attribute

Abstract

A method, software, database and system for attribute partner identification and social network based attribute analysis are presented in which attribute profiles associated with individuals can be compared and potential partners identified. Connections can be formed within social networks based on analysis of genetic and non-genetic data. Degrees of attribute separation (genetic and non-genetic) can be utilized to analyze relationships and to identify individual who might benefit from being connected.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 047,203 filed Mar. 12, 2008, entitled Individual Identification by Attribute, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 895,236, which was filed on Mar. 16, 2007, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention generally relates to methods, computer systems, databases and software for identifying combinations of attributes associated with individuals that co-occur (i.e., co-associate, co-aggregate) with attributes of interest, such as specific disorders, behaviors and traits. Also disclosed herein are databases as well as database systems for creating and accessing databases describing those attributes and for performing analyses based on those attributes. The methods, computer systems and software disclosed herein are useful for identifying intricate combinations of attributes that predispose human beings toward having or de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text discusses how epigenetic modification can influence gene expression and lead to diseases like schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. It also highlights the potential for therapeutic manipulation of the epigenome to treat these disorders. Additionally, the text emphasizes that epigenetic data can fill gaps in personal data and substitute for unreliable self-reported data. Overall, the patent aims to incorporate epigenetic attributes to provide certain functionality and improve understanding of gene expression and disease development.

Problems solved by technology

Previous methods have been largely unsuccessful in determining the complex combinations of attributes that predispose individuals to most disorders, behaviors and traits.

The level of resolution afforded by the data typically used is too low, the number and types of attributes considered is too limited, and the sensitivity to detect low frequency, high complexity combinations is lacking.

Previous methods using genetic information have suffered from either a lack of high resolution information, very limited coverage of total genomic information, or both.

Furthermore, SNPs are spaced hundreds of nucleotides apart and do not account for genetic variation that occurs in the genetic sequence lying between, which is vastly more sequence than the single nucleotide position represented by an SNP.

SNPs are typically located within gene coding regions and do not allow consideration of 98% of the 3 billion base pairs of genetic code in the human genome that does not encode gene sequences.

Other markers such as STS, gene locus markers and chromosome loci markers also provide very low resolution and incomplete coverage of the genome.

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