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]

Autism mechanism goes beyond genes

A study on identical twins with distinct autistic traits suggests that epigenetic factors may be important in understanding how the neurological disorder develops... [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]

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]

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]

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]

Gene variants increase risk of both skin cancer and obesity

Scientists have found a link between skin cancer and the FTO gene, which was already associated with obesity... [Read More]

Event Review: Personal Genetics - An Intersection Between Science, Society, and Policy

In the decade since the human genome was first sequenced, the cost of reading a human genome has dropped from around US $100,000,000 to around US $6,000. In the past year the target has shifted from the '$1000 genome' to the '$0 genome'... [Read More]

TV Review: Meet the Izzards

If asked to describe Eddie Izzard, your reply may include the words actor, comedian, transvestite and marathon runner. Well, now you can add 'part Neanderthal' to the list... [Read More]

Bladder condition gene identified

A gene behind a rare bladder condition has been identified with potential implications for a far more common bladder problem affecting up to one percent of children... [Read More]

Two genes behind skull malformation condition identified

Scientists led by a team from Oxford University have identified mutations in two genes that lead to a serious skull condition... [Read More]

Gene 'patch' fixes deafness mutation in mice

A short strip of genetic material has been used to prevent hereditary deafness in mice... [Read More]

Event Review: Futures in Reproduction

In 2010, Professor Sir Robert Edwards was awarded a long overdue Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, for his the part he played in pioneering both the theory and practice of IVF. This conference focused on the kind of cutting-edge research that takes Professor Edwards' legacy forward... [Read More]

Cancer genetics: plans for London-based Tumour Profiling Unit unveiled

The planned Tumuor Profiling Unit at The Institute for Cancer Research, London will focus on sequencing the DNA of cancer tumours to help diagnose and monitor different types of cancer, and to also identify those more likely to respond to particular treatments.... [Read More]

Leadership influenced by genetics, claim scientists

Some really are born leaders; according to a new study, the likelihood of occupying a leadership role is affected by your genes... [Read More]

Non-invasive prenatal test as good as invasive methods, say scientists

US biotech company Verinata Health has reported sequencing fetal DNA taken from pregnant women's blood to test for genetic abnormalities... [Read More]

Every 15 cigarettes smoked causes a genetic mutation, says Department of Health

The Department of Health has launched an advertisement campaign aiming to highlight the unseen damage caused by smoking... [Read More]

Whole genome sequencing for NHS cancer patients

The UK Government has announced plans that will allow 100,000 NHS patients to have their whole genome sequenced over the next three to five years, as part of a move to boost economic growth in the life sciences industry... [Read More]