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Peer-reviewedCC BYDisease Biology, Genetics, and Socioecology

Race/Ethnicity/Ancestry (REA) and disease : a complex interplay of social and biological factors

  • Michel Tibayrenc
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Abstract

The connection between human genetic and geographical diversity on one hand, and disease distribution on the other hand, has been a subject of ongoing research. A key challenge lies in defining the relevant units of analysis (RUAs) within human populations to accurately assess the impact of disease. While “race” is often considered a social construct, biomedical studies frequently utilize major geographical populations—European, Asian, and African groups—As RUAs. Other groups like “Hispanics” or Native Americans are also commonly used. This review examines the findings of this prevalent approach and argues that it offers significant advantages over the historically dominant model that focused solely on European populations.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{tibayrenc2026raceethnicityancestry,
  title = {{Race/Ethnicity/Ancestry (REA) and disease : a complex interplay of social and biological factors}},
  author = {Michel Tibayrenc},
  journal = {Disease Biology, Genetics, and Socioecology},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.53941/dbgs.2026.100001},
  url = {https://hal.science/hal-05778154v1},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Race/Ethnicity/Ancestry (REA) and disease : a complex interplay of social and biological factors
AU  - Michel Tibayrenc
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/05
JO  - Disease Biology, Genetics, and Socioecology
DO  - 10.53941/dbgs.2026.100001
UR  - https://hal.science/hal-05778154v1
AB  - The connection between human genetic and geographical diversity on one hand, and disease distribution on the other hand, has been a subject of ongoing research. A key challenge lies in defining the relevant units of analysis (RUAs) within human populations to accurately assess the impact of disease. While “race” is often considered a social construct, biomedical studies frequently utilize major geographical populations—European, Asian, and African groups—As RUAs. Other groups like “Hispanics” or Native Americans are also commonly used. This review examines the findings of this prevalent approach and argues that it offers significant advantages over the historically dominant model that focused solely on European populations.
SN  - 2982-3048
ER  -