Updates on key developments in genomics

Render of coronavirus, mRNA and syringe

Why mRNA vaccines aren't gene therapies

We bust another Covid-19 myth – this time about how mRNA vaccines work – in our latest blog post
Mother holding baby's hand

New gene therapy launches in the UK

Baby Arthur becomes one of the first children to benefit from the landmark SMA treatment after NHS launch
Bottle of pills and coronavirus icon

Covid-19 contributes to antimicrobial resistance crisis

Covid-19 can’t be treated with antibiotics, so why are patients receiving them and what impact could this have on human health?

Genome UK: the first steps in a grand plan

The UK wants to create the world's most advanced genomic healthcare system, with education and training a key component. Here’s what’s in store for 2021/22
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Global genomes sequenced in new study

Genomic datasets are widely used by researchers, but are they representative enough? We look at recent research that aims to shift the balance
Render of a DNA helix

New drug target identified for colorectal cancer

Around 15% of colorectal cancers are resistant to standard therapies but ‘switching off’ a specific gene could offer new avenues for treatment
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Genomics overturns understanding of PCOS

It is now understood that men can be affected by the condition, so what does this mean for treatment?
Render of a DNA helix

NHS launches new polygenic scores trial for heart disease

A new approach in personalised medicine aims to use genomics to improve risk prediction for cardiovascular disease
Visualisation of a genome sequence as a tunnel

Are we there yet? Genome sequencing turns 20

We look back on two decades of genome sequencing and explore four areas where continued progress could provide future breakthroughs

New gene therapy hubs announced

A network of ‘innovation hubs’ are set to advance the clinical development of novel gene therapy treatments in the UK
Man in a counselling session on the TV programme DNA Family SecretsBBC/Minnow Films

DNA Family Secrets: the science behind the show

Now the BBC series has wrapped up, we revisit some genomics talking points and think about what may have been left out by the producers and why
Adult holding baby's hand in hospital

NICE approves new SMA gene therapy

NHS England has made a deal on a new, life-saving treatment for the most severe form of the condition
Icons with peopl;e connected by webs of lines

Towards genomic equity

To advance genomics in healthcare, we must consider both the data we collect and who we collect it from. Here, bioinformatician Nana E. Mensah explains why

Haplotypes: a cut-out-and-keep guide

Although ‘haplo' means 'simple', the science can be anything but. Find out what’s hap-pening with haplotypes in our guide
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Transcriptomics and mental illness

We look beyond the genome to find out how RNA can impact on the presentation of psychiatric conditions
3D render of cancer cells

Genomic test supports next-generation cancer drugs

Promising new cancer treatments are emerging, but how does genomics help us identify the patients who need them?

NHS to trial new multi-cancer blood test

More than 50 different types of cancer can be detected by the new test, but how will it work?
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The need for diversity in genomic datasets

We look at a recent prostate cancer study that highlights the importance of inclusivity in genomic studies
3D render of a DNA helix

What is genomic imprinting?

We explore one type of epigenetic modification, its function in our genome and the rare conditions that have been linked to it
3D render of a chromosome with DNA helix exposed inside

Filling the gaps: sequencing a chromosome

A human chromosome has been sequenced in its entirety for the first time, but why is this breakthrough important for the future of our reference genome?
Illustration of fetus and DNA helix

Prenatal genomics - an overview

What role can genomics play before a baby is born? We break down the screening and testing options available now – from traditional methods to new technologies