A large number of studies published around the world have established a strong link between genetic variations and predispositions. These genetic variations include but are not limited to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations. Following rigorous peer review and revisions, these studies are published. The validity of these studies will only be shown by reproduction of the results by numerous independent laboratories.

A team of scientists at Silverberry gather and review the published research related to intended services or packages. This process is similar to that of peer review for studies prior to publication. During this process, each published study is rigorously reviewed and weighed against other studies. Important parameters including size of population studied, type of population (if specific parameters such as age, sex, ethnicity, etc. may play a role), data models used, the effects size, and the rate of reproduction are also taken into consideration. If the published papers are consistent and collectively confirm the correlation between the genetic variations and predispositions, they become a candidate for the next trait report.

For a number of traits with a strong link to genetic predisposition, the Silverberry team is looking into additional findings that may or may not have been previously reported by the scientific community. In such cases — similar to a research group in an academic institution — we collect data from target users (by taking the DNA test, conducting interviews, designing and running intervention programs, etc.) to collect the necessary data.

In addition, all new and significant findings that are published in the literature are continuously added to Silverberry’s genotype-phenotype knowledge repertoire.

In the next step, our diverse team of scientists (including neuroscientists, geneticists, machine learning and AI experts, etc.) use various algorithms to verify the data and run it in the models to ensure accuracy and outcome predictability. In addition, data is verified by using different methods such as using existing bio-bank(s) which can provide reference data as benchmarks to verify the results.

Once the validity of genetic assessment is confirmed, a number of scientific papers will be written in lay language that can be easily read and understood by the general public. These reports include a description of each trait and the assessment. At this step, recommendations and additional resources for each specific trait will be introduced to the users.

Scholars and domain experts play an important role in this phase. For example, if a trait impacts memory or cognitive function, a neuroscientist will review the recommendations. In the case of a response to a specific drug, a pharmacist will play the primary role in generating specific recommendations. The last step is selecting and creating graphical icons, pricing, and other details to make the reports available to the users.

Selected users who have adopted the packages and provide consent to participate in future studies will be contacted periodically to provide feedback and additional information to decide on the future of the reports, further fine-tuning of them, or any other improvements if possible.