What genetics really tells us about race

Have you ever wondered if the idea of different human races is rooted in our biology? Thanks to powerful science tools like DNA sequencing, researchers have discovered something amazing: the way we talk about race has very little to do with what's actually in our genes. In fact, genetics tells a much more unifying story.

How the human genome changed what we know about race

About 25 years ago, scientists launched the Human Genome Project, which mapped almost all the genes in our bodies. When the first draft was unveiled, it settled a centuries-old debate: there is no biological basis for dividing people into races. What researchers found is that there is actually more genetic variation within so-called "racial" groups than between them! In other words, two people from the same so-called race can be more different from each other than from someone of a different race. This amazing discovery is highlighted by the research that confirmed race is a social construct, not a biological one.

For anyone curious about how breakthroughs like this can reshape medicine, check out this SlothMD article for more background: prime editing brings gene therapy closer to reality.

The origins of race as an idea

Hundreds of years ago, scientists tried to classify humans by visible traits like skin color, hair type, and even behavior. A famous botanist named Carl Linnaeus created categories for humans based on skin color and then, unfortunately, added stereotypes about how these groups supposedly acted. These ideas, written in books like Systemae Naturae, were both wrong and harmful. Even though we now know these categories are not accurate, some of their names and ideas still linger in how we talk about people today.

What genetics really shows us about human diversity

Modern genetics has made it clear that the way our DNA varies doesn't match up with old-fashioned race categories. For example, if you compare two people from different parts of Africa, they may be more different genetically from each other than either is from a European or Asian person! This is because genetic diversity follows patterns of ancestry and migration, not race. Even traits like skin color, which seem so obvious, are controlled by a small number of genes and don't divide us into neat groups.

If you want to learn more about how immune cells and genes work together, and sometimes change in diseases like cancer, you can read this SlothMD article for more context: how our body’s cells work together and change in cancer.

Why do we still use race at all?

So, if race is not a real biological grouping, why do we still use it? The answer is that race is a social construct. It's an idea created by people, not by nature. Social constructs are things that exist because we all agree on them—like money or time. While genetics has shown these categories aren't scientific, they still matter in our societies and cultures.

The problem comes when these social ideas are mistaken for biological facts, especially in medicine or government. Sometimes, policies or medical research still use race as if it's a clear-cut genetic group, which can lead to mistakes or unfair treatment. Sadly, these misunderstandings can even influence big decisions, like funding for scientific research or museum exhibits. For instance, recent political debates have tried to push back on the fact that race is not a biological reality, as seen in the controversy over science funding and the role of museums.

How these ideas affect health and society today

It’s important to remember that while race does not define our DNA, it can still affect our lives. That’s because social factors, like poverty and access to healthcare, often hit some groups harder than others. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, people from minority backgrounds were more likely to get sick, not because of biology, but because of social reasons like crowded housing or frontline jobs. Research such as this study on pandemic impacts and health disparities shows how these patterns play out in real life.

What it means for patients, families, and health AI

Understanding that race is not a genetic fact but a social idea can help doctors and health AI tools like SlothMD provide better care. Instead of making assumptions based on someone's appearance, scientists and doctors can focus on a person's unique genetics, lifestyle, and environment. As health AI becomes smarter, it is especially important to make sure these tools don't accidentally repeat old mistakes based on race categories that aren't real.

In the end, science tells us that humans are much more alike than different. By learning from genetics, we can build a future where fairness and health are for everyone, and where amazing tools like SlothMD and health AI can help us all live our best lives.