First we had the Human Genome Project which mapped the genes common to us all. Then the Human Genome Diversity Project mapped the inter-group differences. Now, the Asian Genome Study will map the intra-group differences.

"Although we know that the difference in our genetic makeup is only 0.1 percent, we know very little about the genetic factors that make us different," said Liu.

The Asian genome study, a project spanning populations in seventeen Asian countries, will also allow scientists to compare genetic maps and find out if people prone to certain illness have a common characteristic in their DNA set.

Does anyone have any more sources on this claim?

Scientists think Asian populations share genetic variations dating back thousands of years but people from some areas are more prone to certain diseases. For example, those living in China's Guangdong province are more prone to nasal cancer.

As the news of this project gets wider coverage let's hope that it won't bring out the activists like the Human Genome Diversity Project did:

In the year of indigenous people and at the time of UN Conference on Human Rights we find such initiatives emerging from the West totally unethical and a moral outrage. We call on all groups and individuals concerned with indigenous peoples' rights to mobilise public opinion against the case of human communities as material for scientific experimentation and patenting. Indigenous communities are not just "isolates of historical interest". They have a right to be recognised as fully human communities with full human rights which include decision about how other countries will relate to them. We are bringing up this issue at the UN Conference on Human Rights which is currently taking place in Vienna, Austria. This fundamental human right abuse of indigenous people by western economic and scientific powers needs to be focussed on as much as the human rights violation within the Third World. Although the Project's formal campaign may not be launched until late 1993 or 1994, collection work has already started. Therefore we strongly urge you to join us to call for an immediate halt to the Project.