Updates on key developments in genomics
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Newborn screening: the pros and cons of genome sequencing
Could genome sequencing replace the blood spot test? We review the potential benefits and drawbacks of a more direct approach to screening
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Breakthrough in the battle against neurodegenerative disease
New genomic research could shed light on the cause of two life-limiting neurodegenerative conditions and provide targets for potential therapies and treatments
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How genomics is changing vaccines
The speed at which a vaccine is developed can be crucial. RNA vaccines are cheaper and faster to make, but there's yet to be one licensed. Will this change with Covid-19?
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What are copy number variants?
Everyone has unique variants in their genome - and many are harmless - but which types can have an impact on our health and how do they occur?
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How NHS research is finding new ‘rare disease genes’
As whole genome sequencing becomes more accessible, our understanding of rare disease is advancing at speed. We look at the latest findings from two NHS studies.
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New genomic data studies launch to combat Covid-19
How can genomic data help in the fight against coronavirus? We look at the pros and cons of two new approaches
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What is NIPD?
Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis can provide vital information about a pregnancy, but when should the technique be used, and how does it differ from NIPT?
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Genome editing trial suggests cure for blood diseases
Recent tests have established a potential cure for sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia by using genome editing on bone marrow stem cells
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The impact of Covid-19 on rare disease communities
Guest author Dr Christine Patch explains the challenges in supporting patients with rare disease during the pandemic, as well as the opportunities that may arise
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Genomic trigger found for inflammation
Could we ‘turn off’ our body’s unwanted immune responses? New research has found a genetic switch in our non-coding DNA that could help treat complex allergic disease
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Gene duo hints at future cure for heart disease
A new study has identified an interaction between two genes that could cause cells in the heart to replicate, opening the door to the first possible curative treatment for heart disease
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Analysing the epigenome: a new way to screen for cancer
Could the DNA in our bloodstream provide a way to detect cancer? Recent research looks at a novel approach to screening through a new type of blood test
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Coronavirus and the human genome
A new nationwide study will sequence and analyse NHS patients’ genomes as part of the fight against the Covid-19 outbreak
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Sepsis and the genome
Recent studies on sepsis show that genomics could hold the key to faster diagnosis and treatment, as well as understanding why it occurs
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Non-coding RNA: another piece in the atherosclerosis puzzle
Why do some conditions affect us more as we age? A recent study looked at one in particular, atherosclerosis, and found that non-coding RNA may hold the answers
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Colibactin and colorectal cancer
A newly published study could mark a major milestone in understanding the microbiome and the role in can play in disease development
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10 things to consider when offering a genomic test
Guest author Professor Frances Flinter explains 10 of the most important considerations for professionals and patients
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How the UK is cracking the coronavirus code
In the second part of our Covid-19 special, we look at the genomic science and technology behind a new UK consortium to improve understanding of the virus