The world’s most comprehensive biomedical database was unveiled on Friday with researchers able to access medical data of more than half a million middle aged Britons thanks to the UK Biobank. While other countries, including China and Sweden, have similar databases, the UK Biobank is the world’s biggest and the most comprehensive one.
Researchers can access data related to different pieces including samples of blood, saliva and urine.
The database cost around 100 million pounds to develop and experts believe that it will be of an enormous help to researchers. “The breadth and depth of the data make this a unique resource for researchers around the world. We want it to be used as much as possible to improve people's health”, Oxford University’s Rory Collins, who is also the principal investigator for UK Biobank, said.
Source-Medindia