Advancing technologies however have made it possible to use a more diverse group. The method, mapping snips of genetic markers, rather than the markers themselves, requires less data. It also concentrates on the 0.1 per cent of our genome that differs from person to person, the part where the potentially harmful genes are. Scientific reports in February stated that people have around 30,000 genes, a lot less than initially thought. Of these genes, around 10,000 genes have been pinpointed.
Less data means great reductions in the cost of mapping a large population.
Dr. Pikani expects to be able to map the country's genome at a price of around 15 USD per patient for the doctor's visit, and around 60 USD per patient for the actual mapping. The 12,000 student Tartu University has strong departments for biotech, material technology, and environmental technology. The tests will be accompanied with by a questionnaire, to try to pin down the relations between genome and environment. The law enabling the Estonian genome project passed through parliament in less than ten months. The state controls the foundation's board with three representatives from government and three representatives from parliament, to the science community's three representatives.