Treasure hunting in a new era: genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms and the search for complex disease genes by association scans.

: Genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms by technologies like those described in this issue are propelling us towards a new era in the study of human genetics. This new era promises improved prospects for mapping genes responsible for complex human diseases and other complex traits. In this article, I sketch empirical results and statistical theory that together form the scientific rationale for anticipating enhanced success in gene mapping in the new era that is now approaching.