Color Data FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Color Data. Also, you can learn about the scientific methodology and design of the database.

What is the goal of Color Data?

At Color, we believe that we have a responsibility to advance genetic research and that sharing scientific data will help accelerate the pace of discoveries. We hope that Color Data will help researchers and scientists identify genotype-phenotype correlations, novel variants for functional analysis, and explore the interplay between different types of risk for disease at population-scale.

What is the difference between Color Data and other genetic databases and browsers?

While several population databases have been developed for genetic data, relevant phenotypic information such as health history and risk models are not always available. Color Data includes aggregated genetic and self-reported phenotypic information related to hereditary cancer and hereditary cardiovascular conditions from 54,000 individuals who took a Color test. Our user-friendly interface allows researchers to easily execute their own queries with filtering, and the results of these queries can be shared and downloaded.

What type of information is available in Color Data?

Data includes two types of information: genetic and self-reported phenotypic. The genetic information includes variants identified in 30 genes associated with hereditary cancer, 30 genes associated with hereditary cardiovascular conditions, and polygenic scores for common, complex diseases. Variants in these genes are classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) standards and reflect the variant’s classification at time of database release. Variants can be reclassified when new information becomes available; the database snapshot may not, therefore, reflect the variant’s current classification. The self-reported phenotypic information includes demographics such as sex, age, and ethnicity, along with health history and risk models. All information is de-identified and shared in aggregate.

How does Color Data v2 differ from the original release?

For version 2, we expanded Color Data to include a variety of other features and data modalities including:

Where can I find information about past versions of Color Data?

For details on Version 1, released October 18, 2018, see our flagship paper.

How was information selected to be included in Color Data?

All participants included in this database received a Color test and consented to the use of their de-identified genetic and phenotypic information in Color’s research database.

How is participant privacy protected? Can the results in Color Data be traced back to a single individual?

Participant privacy is important to Color. We have taken significant steps to protect the identity of participants in Color Data and use commercially reasonable efforts to limit queries that identify individuals as a unique or rare carrier of any variants. While unlikely, participation in the database involves the possibility that an individual may be identifiable from information in the database.

If I’m a participant, can I request to have my information removed from Color Data?

Yes, you can opt out of Color Data at any time by updating your account settings. After you opt out of Color Data, we will promptly update the research database and exclude your information from future publications. However, because we periodically publish snapshots of Color Data, your de-identified information can not be deleted from past publications.

How can I get involved with research at Color?

Color participates in innovative research studies and supports large-scale population genomics with affordable end-to-end genetic testing, including return of results to participants and complimentary access to genetic counselors. To learn more about incorporating Color in your research study or to discuss collaboration on future research projects, please contact us.

Who do I contact with questions or comments about Color Data?

For any comments or questions, including bugs or feature suggestions for future versions, please contact us at research@color.com.

How should I cite interesting queries from Color Data?

Please cite the latest Color Data publication. You can also include your specific query URL(s), if any.