Updates on key developments in genomics

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Stories of rare disease: Aisha

To kick off our blog series for Rare Disease Day 2023, we share Aisha’s story of living with Morquio syndrome and look at the impact that healthcare workers can have on a patient’s journey
A large illustrated group of featureless people in bright colours.

Stories of rare disease: Introducing our new blog series

In honour of Rare Disease Day 2023, this week we’ll be sharing patients’ stories of living with rare disease and the role genomics has played in their journeys
An illustration of a multicoloured DNA strand running vertically down the centre of the image with two hands on either side of it. The hands are wearing blue surgical gloves. One hand is holding tweezers that are gripping the DNA strand and the other hand is holding a scalpel which has sliced the DNA strand.

What are genome editing and gene therapy?

Gene therapy and genome editing technologies are increasingly being reported on in the news and discussed in medical literature, but what are they?
A row of test tubes full of neon pink liquid, each with a pipette dangling above it, drips of more pink liquid about to drop into them.

Cancer vaccines: Three things you need to know

We shine a spotlight on RNA-based immunotherapies, which are fast becoming a major healthcare focus in the UK

NHS patients to get 'early access' to new RNA cancer vaccines

NHS cancer patients will be able to access emerging RNA-based immunotherapies thanks to a newly announced partnership between BioNTech and the government
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Base editing: What is it and what does it mean for healthcare?

This week, we take an in-depth look at the genome-editing technology that has been making headlines worldwide
A 3D image of a protein interacting with a DNA stand while two nucleosomes flank it.

Epigenomic studies spotlight new level of cancer evolution

While genomics sets the scene for cancer to grow, it isn’t the only actor – as shown by two studies that cast a light on the role of epigenomics
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How epigenomic testing could improve cervical cancer detection

Introducing a new epigenomic test as part of routine cervical screening may help clinicians spot the signature of cervical cancer years before it develops
Close-up image of a leukaemia cell

Cancer therapy involving genome editing cures another child’s leukaemia

We look at a new type of CAR-T cell therapy that, in the world’s first use, has cured a child patient’s leukaemia

Genomics on the horizon: Three predictions for 2023

To kick off the new year, we look at three areas of genomics research and advancement to watch out for in 2023 and beyond
A magnifying glass placed over a double helix.

Looking back: Genomics in 2022 (part two)

In the second and final part of our round-up of 2022, we look back at some of the milestones reached this year in genomics research
A magnifying glass placed over a double helix.

Looking back: Genomics in 2022 (part one)

In the first of our two-part round-up of 2022, we look back at some of this year's most exciting clinical developments in genomics
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What can pop culture tell us about genetics?

Special guest author Dr Jonathan Roberts looks at how pop culture can help us think about genetics in different ways.
Five test tubes in a row, with a double helix inside each one. The double helix inside the fourth test tube from the left is red, the rest are grey.

How accurate are genomic tests?

We outline five key things to consider when answering the common patient question, “How accurate is this genomic test?”
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Marvel star goes public on his APOE genetic link to Alzheimer's

Chris Hemsworth recently revealed his APOE4 status, which he discovered while filming a documentary on living better for longer
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How can genomics combat doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity?

This week, we examine the role that genomics could play in reducing the number of child cancer patients who experience doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
A patient having a health check-up.

Genetics tool for check-ups described as a 'game changer'

Including polygenic risk scores for heart disease has been found to be a useful addition to NHS health checks that doesn’t affect GP workload
Illustration of seven blood samples in a row.

Liquid biopsy: What is it and why does it matter?

We take a look at the blood test that researchers hope could lead to earlier diagnosis of cancer
An OFH booth, image provided by Our Future Health.Our Future Health

Ambitious health study recruiting 1 in 10 UK adults

The Our Future Health study hopes to address the diversity problem in genomic datasets as it continues its recruitment of five million volunteers
A close-up image of a double helix

Motor neurone disease: Could gene therapies be the answer?

New clinical studies hope to use genomics to improve treatment of and even find a cure for motor neurone disease

The NHS's new strategy for genomics: Five key takeaways

We look at the new ‘Accelerating genomic medicine in the NHS’ report and what it means for healthcare professionals