Updates on key developments in genomics

Render of a human brain with representation of activity

Understanding Alzheimer's

Modern advances in genomics are revealing new links between many of our genes and the chance of developing the condition

Inversions explained

We dive into inversions, how they impact on health and what new research has revealed about their role in the genome
Mother holding baby's hand

NHS launches sight-saving NIPT test

A new genomic test can identify babies at risk of a rare form of eye cancer with almost 100% accuracy

Rapid genomic test helps prevent newborn hearing loss

We look at how rapid pharmacogenomic testing is helping save the hearing – and lives – of newborn babies

NHS launches sequencing pilot for glioblastoma

A new programme is bringing genomics-based personalised treatment to brain cancer patients for the first time
A human egg being fertilised using IVF

Polygenic scores and PGT: a problematic pairing

We explore a new type of test hitting the headlines and ask whether it could ever be approved for UK clinics
Render of Covid-19 virus cells and DNA helices

Covid-19 update: ‘problem’ variants found

New research shows that certain gene variants could be drivers for life-threatening Covid-19 illness

Implementing genomics across the UK

We explore a new paper that sets out the UK’s genomics healthcare plan for the next three years

Personalised prescribing report: five things we learned

We share some key highlights from this week’s landmark pharmacogenomics report
Lists of genomic bases: A, T, G and C

Repeat after me: what are repeat expansion disorders?

We learn how repeating sequences in our DNA can impact on health and how genome sequencing can make a diagnostic difference
Points of blue and red light connected together

Diverse genomic study pinpoints Covid-19 variant

Sometimes data diversity can make the difference. We look at findings from a new Covid-19 study to find out how

Mystery variant doubles Covid-19 severity

But how was it found, and could it help open up new avenues for treatment?
Render of a DNA helix

BRCA: beyond breast cancer

New evidence shows that BRCA variants may increase the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers in both men and women

Genomics Beyond Health: a new report

We step away from the healthcare sector this week to look at the bigger genomics picture

Polygenic score pilot for heart disease begins

NHS launches innovative genomic testing project that could help revolutionise heart disease identification and prevention

Cancer vs the immune system

This week, we explore the ways cancer cells can evade our bodies’ defences and how we can fight back

The brain, the gut and the genome

We explore the link between our mental and physical health by looking at results from a recent genome-wide association study
Render of a DNA helix and Planet Earth

Flash forward: genomics in 2022

In our second end-of-year roundup, we look ahead to three areas of genomics likely to spark discussion in the coming year
3D render of cancer cells

Targeting oncogenes: a two-drug treatment

Is two better than one? We look at findings from a cancer study that explores a novel two-drug approach to treat rare ovarian cancer
Visualisation of a genome sequence as a tunnel

Looking back: genomics in 2021

As we approach the end of 2021, we look back on the key developments in genomics and their impact on healthcare and society

100,000 Genomes Project 2021 update: rare disease

How has rare disease diagnosis and treatment improved in light of data gathered from the 100,000 Genomes Project? Find out in the second part of our series…