What genes tell us

Who we should entrust with genetic material – and who not

Johannes Zschocke (right), Director of the Institute of Human Genetics, with his two assistants in front of the machine that can display the entire genome.

(Bild: Thurner Claudia)

All European countries have a gene project - except Austria. But the race to catch up has begun. On Friday, a project will be launched in which genetic material from all over Austria will be analyzed. The threads are coming together in Tyrol.

We can't do without our genes. They are the recipe by which we are cooked and largely determine our outward appearance and character traits. Of course, environmental factors also play a role, but just how important the genetic prerequisites are can be seen in twin studies, for example. Even if identical twins grow up separately, they often have the same preferences, as Johannes Zschocke, Director of Human Genetics at the Medical University of Innsbruck, explains.

Even if identical twins grow up separately, they often have the same preferences.

Johannes Zschocke, Direktor der Humangenetik an der Medizinischen Universität Innsbruck

Bild: Birbaumer Christof

It is also anchored in our genetic make-up how likely we are to develop certain diseases, such as cancer. It is interesting to note that there are regional differences.