Intensive research outcomes obtained using model organisms have certainly helped us take giant strides in mitigating life threatening diseases. Yet, it’s undeniable that they are imperfect substitutes for data obtained from humans. “We have been using models such as mice and zebrafish but there are big differences between these animals and humans. For a long time, we haven’t been paying enough attention to the importance of data even from a single patient” says Dr. Alireza Haghighi, Lead Clinical Molecular Geneticist of Harvard Brigham Genomic Medicine, an integrated clinical research program. He earnestly stressed how knowledge gained from a single individual could be a valuable resource in aiding the welfare of future patients.