Top stories this month
The UK government advisory body the Human Genomics Strategy Group has set out recommendations for the adoption of genomic
technologies across the National Health Service (NHS);
the PHG Foundation has responded positively with additional suggestions on the training of public health professionals.
Vision for future of genomics in UK health system
PHG Foundation response to the HGSG report
Opinion: Cord blood banking – who benefits?
News of the first instance of a UK NHS hospital
integrating private cord blood banking services in public antenatal care
provokes questions of public benefit.
Private cord blood banking in the NHS?
Genetic health services
Norway reveals laudable plans to integrate stratified cancer medicine in the public health service and genetic embryo screening for
IVF is to be offered for the first time in Ireland.
Holistic approach to clinical cancer genomics in Norway
Genetic embryo screening service to open in Ireland
Genomic data, privacy and ethics
Legal and ethical issues surrounding the storage and use of genomic data for medical research are under investigation around the world.
New European rules to protect personal data
US Bioethics Commission examines genomic data ethics
New public survey on ethics and genomic information
Law, regulation and consultation
New policy and guidance for drug companies on pharmacogenetic issues is on the way in Europe,
whilst in the US a resolution to the human gene patent issue is still awaited.
Consultation: genomic influence on pharmacovigilance
European pharmacogenetics guidance for drug development
End of BRCA patent dispute may be in sight
Mitochondrial disease
As the UK plans a public consultation on genetic techniques to prevent inherited mitochondrial disease,
research identifies new diagnostic methods for the conditions.
Public views sought on 'three-parent IVF' to prevent disease
Sequencing-based diagnosis of mitochondrial disease
Genetic therapeutics
We report on new developments in gene therapy, stem cell therapeutics,
and a novel combination of both approaches used against Huntington's disease.
Gene therapy gains momentum
Stem cell implants look safe for eyes
RNA interference and stem cells combat Huntington's disease
Genetics and disease risk
New research has shed light on elements of genetic risk of diabetes (including a gene-environment association),
heart disease, prostate and ovarian cancers, as well as aspects of ageing. Evidence suggests obesity can also influence the risk of birth defects.
Type 2 diabetes genes identified in multiple ethnic groups
Genetic link between melatonin and diabetes
Common form of Y-chromosome linked to heart disease risk
Gene for inherited prostate cancer risk found
Ovarian cancer survival higher in BRCA mutation carriers
Rising obesity levels may increase birth defects
Genes may help brains age better
Link between genetic variants and extreme old age confirmed
New reviews and commentaries
Our selection of interesting recent articles
Other news
Informed consent on trial
Scientists identify possible diabetes biomarkers
Scientists identify genetic mutations behind childhood brain tumour
Skin transformed into brain cells
DNA sequencing quickly identifies metabolic diseases
Will gene sequencing soon be part of your doctor visit?
Gene test predicts mortality risk after lung cancer surgery
Mutations linked to rare autism-related disorder
Solid tumour genotyping test launched
New genetic clues to breast cancer
Menopause onset may be genetic
$25 million genetic epilepsy study
Genetic testing: NHS ‘must back revolution’
National DNA database needed for personalised medicine drive
TB linked with lung cancer gene mutation
Gene switch ‘key to heart health’
New international research defends genome-wide association studies
Genetic cause of infant epilepsy