Updates on key developments in genomics

A medical image of a heart

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

Achromatopsia gene therapy partially restores children’s colour vision

A new gene therapy for achromatopsia has partially restored colour vision in two children, according to new research
Coronavirus

Confirmed: Covid-19 vaccine response depends on our genes

New research has revealed that the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine depends on our genome
Bloodstream

Haemophilia: Have we found a cure?

A new gene therapy for treating this rare condition has shown success at clinical trial
Cancer cells

The potential of polygenic risk scores for prostate cancer

We look at new research that introduces a genetic risk scoring system for the triage of prostate cancer patients in primary care
woman looking at a model of DNA

New sex-specific genetic indicators found in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified new variants in the MGMT gene that increase an individual’s chance of developing Alzheimer's disease, but only in women
A virus

The mysterious rise of hepatitis: Could genes be to blame?

An unexpected virus and genomic variant combination has been linked to a rise in hepatitis cases in children

Reducing stroke risk with a genetic test

NHS Tayside introduces UK's first routine genetic test for stroke patients, estimated to bring improved outcomes to thousands of patients each year
Cancer cells

Bowel cancer: What role do our genes play?

We examine two genetically inherited syndromes that increase our risk of colorectal cancer

'Transformational' cardiomyopathy treatment receives funding

We explore a recently funded heart muscle disease project that will use RNA therapy and gene editing in tandem

Under the radar: Exploring clonal haematopoiesis

We investigate genomics’ role in the prevalence of CH and the difference early diagnosis could make
Genomics in Primary Care

Bringing whole genome sequencing to primary care

We explore how first-contact care and genomic testing could align, and the pivotal part this combination could play in the future

Mendel: Influence and inheritance

We celebrate the father of genetics’ 200th birthday and explore the ways his influence still extends through to us today

PPP rare diseases report: Five things we learned

We round up the key genomics points from the latest Public Policy Projects report

Detecting cancer predisposition: Finding the balance

This week, we weigh up the potential advantages and challenges of wider genomic testing for identifying cancer

Endometriosis and ovarian cancer: A genetic link

A new study aims to unravel the genomic connection between these two different health conditions