The Hidden 80% of Disease Scientists Are Racing to Decode
Summary
A global initiative aims to map the environmental factors influencing disease, potentially transforming health and medicine. The Financial Times will host a key session featuring leaders from the Global Exposome Forum to discuss these groundbreaking developments.
Key Insights
What is the exposome, and why is it referred to as the 'hidden 80%' of disease?
The exposome is the cumulative measure of environmental exposures—from chemicals, pollutants, diet, and lifestyle factors—an individual encounters from conception to death, which scientists estimate accounts for around 80% of chronic disease risk, far outweighing genetic factors alone. This 'hidden' portion has been challenging to map comprehensively until recent technological advances.
What is the Global Exposome Forum and its connection to the Human Exposome Project?
The Global Exposome Forum is a coalition of scientists, policymakers, and organizations launching the Human Exposome Project, modeled after the Human Genome Project, to map environmental exposures using AI, sensors, and biomarkers for precision prevention and personalized medicine. Key events include the 2025 Washington D.C. Moonshot Forum and partnerships with UNESCO and NIH.