Anonymized genomes can be traced back to the people they came from by linking the data to identifiable individual traits, according to a study published Monday.

The proof-of-concept study points to potential privacy risks at a time when genomes are being sequenced in larger numbers for health research. But it also points to benefits in areas such as forensics where accurate descriptions, such as facial features, are essential.

Using 1,061 volunteers, researchers fed their genomic and biometric information into a machine learning program. Characteristics examined included sex, skin and eye color, facial structure, age, height, weight, and even voice.
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