# HbVar

> database related to human hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations

**Wikidata**: [Q113471423](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113471423)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hbvar

## Summary
HbVar is a biological database and website dedicated to the documentation of human hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations. Established in 1990, it serves as a specialized resource for researchers and medical professionals studying these specific genetic blood disorders. The database is accessible in English and is recognized by the Nucleic Acids Research (NAR) database list.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** The database and its associated website were established in 1990.
- **Primary URL:** The resource is accessible at `https://globin.bx.psu.edu/hbvar/`.
- **Also Known As:** "A database of Human Hemoglobin Variants and Thalassemias."
- **Instance Of:** Classified as both a biological database and a website.
- **Main Subject:** The database focuses on disease, specifically hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations.
- **Academic Recognition:** It is described and cataloged by the Nucleic Acids Research (NAR) database (DOI: 10.1093/NAR/GKAA959).
- **Language:** The website content is provided in English.
- **Wikidata Property:** The entity is associated with Wikidata property P12374.

## FAQs
### Q: What specific medical conditions does HbVar cover?
A: HbVar is a repository for data regarding human hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations. It focuses specifically on the genetic variations associated with these blood disorders.

### Q: When was the HbVar database created?
A: The project was established in 1990. It has served as a web resource for several decades.

### Q: Is HbVar considered a reliable academic source?
A: Yes, the database is indexed and described by Nucleic Acids Research (NAR), a prominent scientific journal. It is also listed as a bioscience database within Wikimedia project focus lists.

## Why It Matters
HbVar plays a critical role in the field of hematology and medical genetics by centralizing information on hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations. Before the existence of such specialized biological databases, researchers often had to rely on scattered literature to find specific mutation data. HbVar solves this problem by aggregating these variants into a single, searchable website.

Its inclusion in the Nucleic Acids Research (NAR) database list highlights its relevance and utility to the scientific community. By maintaining records dating back to its inception in 1990, the database provides historical and longitudinal data that is essential for understanding the epidemiology and pathology of these diseases. This resource allows for the precise identification of mutations, which is fundamental for diagnosis, genetic counseling, and the development of therapeutic strategies for blood disorders.

## Notable For
- **Longevity:** The database has been operational since 1990, making it a long-standing resource in the field of biosciences.
- **Specificity:** It is highly specialized, focusing exclusively on human hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations rather than general genetic data.
- **Academic Integration:** It is officially recognized by and described in Nucleic Acids Research (NAR), a standard for high-quality biological databases.
- **Open Access:** The resource is hosted on an academic domain (psu.edu), making it accessible to the public and researchers.

## Body
### Database Overview
HbVar is a comprehensive biological database designed to document genetic variations in human hemoglobin. It serves as a primary information source for scientists and clinicians investigating the molecular basis of blood diseases. The platform functions as a dedicated website that catalogs detailed entries on specific variants and mutations.

### History and Availability
The resource was established in 1990, reflecting decades of curated data in the field of hematology. It is hosted online at `https://globin.bx.psu.edu/hbvar/`. The interface and data are presented in English to serve the international scientific community.

### Academic Classification and Credibility
HbVar is classified as a "bioscience database" and is included on the focus list of Wikimedia projects for this category. Its validity and importance are reinforced by its description in the Nucleic Acids Research (NAR) database summary, specifically cited under the digital object identifier (DOI) 10.1093/NAR/GKAA959. This acknowledgment places HbVar among recognized standard repositories for biological data.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.oxfordjournals.org/nar/database/summary/491)