Hot and Cold Regions of Biology (IMAGE) Northwestern University Caption Hot and cold regions of biology. Historical bias is a key reason biomedical researchers continue to study the same 10 percent of all human genes whose sequences are known while ignoring many genes known to play roles in disease, a Northwestern University study reports. Genes (indicated by dots) are mapped according to generic chemical and biological characteristics. Blue indicates "cold" regions, where genes are studied less frequently than anticipated under the assumption that every gene would be studied to the same extent. Credit Thomas Stoeger, Northwestern University Usage Restrictions Redistribution allowed with credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.