title: Omics in population studies: a molecular epidemiology perspective.
abstract: The convergence of striking developments in (bio)-technology, increasing availability of biobanked samples, and advances in biostatistics and bio-informatics allow an optimistic outlook for epidemiological research. In this special issue on Omics in Population Studies: A Molecular Epidemiology Perspective we explore and reflect on the potential of these new developments in both exposure science and clinical research since they provide the essential link between exposure and disease and may enable scientists to improve their understanding of disease origin and progression. As noted in this special issue, this is an exciting time for epidemiology. While cancer and other noncommunicable diseases rise in number worldwide, various new tools can be applied effectively to increase understanding of the underlying causes and potential for progression to improve their prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, Area of Systems Approaches and Non Communicable Diseases. IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy. stefano.bonassi@sanraffaele.it
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bonassi
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Taioli
authors.forename: Roel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vermeulen
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D040901:Proteomics
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: Omics; environmental risks; human population studies; individual susceptibility; molecular epidemiology