Rare brain disorder identified, explained thanks to genomic research

Research to identify an Australian boy's mystery illness, which ultimately involved scientists around the world, led to the identification of a new paediatric brain disorder, as well as the faulty gene behind the condition... [Read More]

Event Review: Heart Genetics - Predicting the Future?

I'd not been to a Cafe Scientifique event before and was a little unsure of what to expect. The Royal Brompton coffee shop setting did at first feel strange; I'm more used to discussions in lecture theatres where there is a clear distinction between audience and speaker... [Read More]

Birthmark gene find offers hope for rare neurological condition

A genetic mutation responsible for both Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, and 'port-wine stain' birthmarks, has been identified... [Read More]

Sleep disorder mutation linked to migraine

Genetic mutations that cause an inherited sleep disorder also appear to be linked to migraine, scientists have found... [Read More]

Cancer treatment should be based on gene 'fingerprints', says study

Genetic analysis of tumours provides the key to treating them effectively, according to two studies carried out by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).... [Read More]

Gene for epilepsy paves way for genetic testing

Researchers in Australia have identified a genetic link to a common form of epilepsy, which could lead the way to genetic testing for this type of the condition.... [Read More]

Synthetic biology could provide solution to bird flu

Synthetic biology is being used in the hunt for a vaccine for H7N9, the new strain of bird flu emerging in China, with hopes it could shave a vital two weeks off the development process... [Read More]

Severe childhood obesity: four gene variants identified

Scientists have identified four new gene variants associated with severe childhood obesity... [Read More]

Prostate cancer gene study should change treatment approach, say scientists

Prostate cancer patients who have inherited a well-known gene mutation are more likely to develop an aggressive form of the disease, a study shows... [Read More]

Identical twin genome study reveals leukaemia's embryonic origins

Genome analysis of identical twins with childhood leukaemia has helped pinpoint genetic mutations which may kick-start the disease in the mother's womb... [Read More]

Gene linked to Alzheimer's risk in African-Americans

Genetic variants linked to higher Alzheimer's disease risk in African-Americans have been found by a team at Columbia University, USA... [Read More]

People with Marfan syndrome must be supported in starting families free of the disease

Marfan syndrome is a terrible disease. Families must have access to preimplantation genetic diagnosis to limit the genetic impact on their families in the future... [Read More]

Genetic analysis tracks HIV-antibody arms race

For the first time, scientists have observed how the human immune system makes antibodies capable of neutralising the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), confirming the belief that their production occurs only after the virus has started to diversify.... [Read More]

Study counters Parkinson's disease gene theory

An experimental approach to treating Parkinson's disease may need to be reconsidered following evidence suggesting that it may make patients worse... [Read More]

Patients should get health risk gene information whether they want it or not, says report

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has published a report recommending that patients who have their genomes sequenced should automatically be told of incidental genetic findings.... [Read More]

Older fathers may pass autism risk to grandchildren

Men who father children later in life are more likely to have grandchildren with autism, according to research... [Read More]

TV Review: Shrinking My 17 Stone Legs

The stump of Mandy's amputated left leg is one metre in circumference, the size of an old vinyl record. Mandy Sellars has a rare genetic condition that meant her legs continued to grow after the rest of her body stopped... [Read More]

Genetic mutation for mental retardation found in Amish community

A genetic mutation linked to mental retardation has been identified in an Amish community in the USA.... [Read More]

Breast cancer blood test tracks treatment response

A blood test is being developed that could help doctors monitor how breast cancer tumours respond to therapy... [Read More]

Stem cell-like origins of ovarian cancer identified

The source of stem cell-like cells that can give rise to ovarian cancer in mice has been found, reports a study in the journal Nature... [Read More]