Updates on key developments in genomics

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
Render of a human brain with representation of activity

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?
Aerial photograph of a crowd walking across a plaza

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
3D render of leukaemia cell

Richter’s syndrome study published

A new study by GEP fellow Niamh Appleby has found potential pathways and targets for the treatment of Richter’s syndrome – an aggressive form of adult leukaemia

Genomics and the new Covid-19 variant

What do we know about the new strain of coronavirus sweeping across the UK? And how did genomics help us get there?

Key genomic technologies of 2020: treatments old and new

In the second part of our review of the year’s genomic highlights, we look at the breakthroughs that are helping patients with rare disease and cancer

Key genomic technologies of 2020: fighting Covid-19

In the first of two articles reflecting on this year, we look at how genomics became central to tackling an unprecedented global pandemic

Genetics and genomics on screen

As many people slow down for a festive break, Dr Jonathan Roberts considers presentations of genomics in five popular films
Mother holding the hand of her newborn baby

First polygenic cause found for neonatal diabetes

A new study has found the first ever polygenic cause for diabetes in children younger than six months of age
Render of Covid-19 virus cells and DNA helices

Researchers find ‘hidden’ coronavirus gene

A newly discovered gene within the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus could offer clues about its origins and a possible target for treatment
Fetus with DNA umbilical cord

‘New’ de novo variants linked to developmental disorders

How do gene variants affect our health? We look at a recent study that has newly identified 28 genes associated with developmental disorders
Render of inflamed tissue in the body

Genomics first: identifying inflammatory disease

Scientists have discovered a new rare and deadly inflammatory disease in men, but how did genomics lead them to it?
genes and mental illness

Keeping genes in mind: genomics and mental illness

UCL Genetics Institute honorary professor and psychiatrist David Curtis explains the challenge of understanding mental illnesses like schizophrenia, and how recent advances in genomics could have a real impact on clinical practice