Blog articles

DNA clues discovered for asymptomatic and long Covid conditions

The HLA-B and FOXP4 DNA regions may be the link between Covid-19 symptom severity and our genome, according to two papers
A historical engraving from the 17th century that depicts the Black Death in Vienna

Evolution of immunity: The genomic link between Covid-19, Crohn’s disease and the Black Death

New research shows that the same genes that helped our ancestors survive the bubonic plague are still hard at work today

Mystery variant doubles Covid-19 severity

But how was it found, and could it help open up new avenues for treatment?
Visualisation of a genome sequence as a tunnel

Looking back: genomics in 2021

As we approach the end of 2021, we look back on the key developments in genomics and their impact on healthcare and society
Artistic interpretation of a neanderthal male walking towards a modern day male with a DNA helix in the background

Covid-19 'neanderthal' gene variants explained

In light of new research, we revisit the role our genome plays in the severity of Covid-19 symptoms
Many icons representing Covid-19 and a large circle containing an icon representing a DNA helix

Sequencing Covid-19: 1 million genomes

As the UK reaches a mega sequencing milestone, we look at how the data could be used to better prepare us for the future
Render of Covid-19 virus cells and DNA helices

Covid-19: susceptibility and the genome

An international collaboration has discovered new links between our genome and the variable onset and severity of Covid-19
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
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?

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: 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
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