Scientists from Imperial College in London have identified a gene that causes children to be born with cleft palates. The scientists discovered that mutations in the T-box 22 gene cause the sex-linked form of the condition, known as CPX, and also another condition known as 'tongue-tie'.

The leader of the researchers, Dr Philip Stanier, hopes that the discovery will lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the condition. He said 'by identifying the gene that causes X-linked cleft palate we now understand much more about the cause of the condition. In the long term it will also shed more light on other forms of the condition and lead to effective treatments other than corrective surgery.'