eMERGE is a national network organized and funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) that combines DNA biorepositories with electronic medical record (EMR) systems for large scale, high-throughput genetic research in support of implementing genomic medicine.

Many factors contribute to risk of a disease. Some of these factors are internal, like genetics, and others are external, like where someone lives. Over the last several years researchers have discovered that in addition to one gene being associated with a given disease (monogenic factors), many genes across your genome can contribute to the development of a disease (polygenic factors). To learn more about elements that contribute to risk a disease, click here.