Blog articles

test tubes containing DNA helix

Sepsis – DNA fragments may offer a key to diagnosis

A new ‘bedside’ test that quantifies webs of DNA is now being trialled in the NHS to help identify potential sepsis

RNA in spotlight as RNA research pioneers to be awarded Nobel prize

Two RNA researchers whose work paved the way for Covid-19 RNA vaccines will be awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize

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?