EMBL researchers unveiled SDR‑seq, a single‑cell sequencing method that captures both DNA and RNA from the same cell to expose functional non‑coding variants that influence gene regulation. SDR‑seq enables simultaneous mapping of genetic variation and transcriptional output within individual cells, revealing how non‑coding disease‑associated variants alter gene activity across cell types. The work promises to bridge gaps between genome‑wide association signals and mechanistic biology, improving target identification and diagnostic marker discovery. SDR‑seq may accelerate translation of non‑coding variant findings into therapeutic hypotheses.