Healthy skin helps identify cancer’s origins
Normal skin contains an unexpectedly high number of cancer-associated mutations, according to a study published in Science. The findings illuminate the first steps cells take towards becoming a cancer and demonstrate the value of analysing normal tissue to learn more about the origins of the disease.
Antibiotic resistant typhoid detected in countries around the world
Unappreciated global spread of multiple antimicrobial resistant typhoid mapped by international consortium
Most people eager to know the secrets of their genetics
A survey of nearly 7000 people has revealed that 98 per cent want to be informed if researchers using their genetic data stumble upon indicators of a serious preventable or treatable disease. The study, which comes after the Government’s announcement that Genomics England will sequence 100,000 genomes by 2017, begins an important and on-going conversation about how our genomic data is used.
Single cells seen in unprecedented detail
Researchers have developed a large-scale sequencing technique called Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing (G&T-seq) that reveals, simultaneously, the unique genome sequence of a single cell and the activity of genes within that single cell.
Mountain gorillas enter the genomic age
The first project to sequence whole genomes from mountain gorillas has given scientists and conservationists new insight into the impact of population decline on these critically endangered apes.
Brain-dwelling worm in UK man’s head sequenced
For the first time, the genome of a rarely seen tapeworm has been sequenced. The genetic information of this invasive parasite, which lived for four years in a UK resident’s brain, offers new opportunities to diagnose and treat this invasive parasite.
Large-scale study raises hopes for development of E. coli vaccine
The largest ever study of the bacterium enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) has raised hopes that a global vaccine can be developed. This bacterium causes 400 thousand deaths and 400 million cases of diarrhoea each year in low-and-middle-income countries as well as misery to many travellers to these regions.
Global Alliance for Genomics and Health members meet to advance genomic data sharing
The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health convened its second major meeting of 2014 yesterday (Monday), bringing together more than 250 international leaders to collaborate on the development of innovative solutions to accelerate sharing of genomic and clinical data.
Sanger Institute researcher collaborates on story of love and flu
A radio drama about love and flu produced in collaboration with Professor Paul Kellam, a member of Faculty at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, starts on Radio 4 next Monday (27 October).
Gene variant dramatically reduces ‘bad’ lipids
Research using data collected from around 4,000 healthy people in the UK has enabled scientists to identify a rare genetic variant that dramatically reduces levels of certain types of lipids in the blood. The study is the first to emerge from the UK10K Project’s cohort of samples from the general public and demonstrates the power of whole genome sequencing at scale.
Genome-wide association study in disease-causing bacteria paves way for clinical tool
Researchers have developed a powerful new tool to identify genetic changes in disease-causing bacteria that are responsible for antibiotic resistance. The results from this technique could be used in clinics within the next decade to decide on the most effective treatments for diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis.
New malaria vaccine candidates identified
Researchers have discovered new vaccine targets that could help in the battle against malaria. Taking a new, large-scale approach to this search, researchers tested a library of proteins from the Plasmodium falciparum parasite with antibodies produced by the immune systems of a group of infected children.
Atlas shows how genes affect our metabolism
In the most comprehensive exploration of the association between genetic variation and human metabolism, researchers have provided unprecedented insights into how genetic variants influence complex disease and drug response through metabolic pathways.
Tsetse fly genome reveals weaknesses
Mining the genome of the disease-transmitting tsetse fly, researchers have revealed the genetic adaptions that allow it to have such unique biology and transmit disease to both humans and animals.
Impact of whooping cough vaccination revealed
The most comprehensive study to date of the family of bacteria that causes whooping cough points to more effective vaccine strategies and reveals surprising findings about the bacteria’s origin and evolution. The new results could alter public health strategies to control this respiratory disease, which kills 195,000 children worldwide each year.
Sperm meets egg: protein essential for fertilisation discovered
Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have discovered interacting proteins on the surface of the sperm and the egg essential to begin mammalian life. These proteins, which allow the sperm and egg to recognise one another, offer new paths towards improved fertility treatments and the development of new contraceptives.
Virus-fighting genes linked to mutations in cancer
Cambridge researchers have found a major piece of genetic evidence that confirms the role of a group of virus-fighting genes in cancer development.
The Sanger Institute honoured with Athena SWAN Bronze Award
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the first six research institutes in the UK to be recognised by the Equality Challenge Unit's Athena SWAN Charter, a scheme that recognises excellence in women's employment in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine.
Genetic mutations warn of skin cancer risk
Researchers have discovered that mutations in a specific gene are responsible for a hereditary form of melanoma.
Out of Africa: the evolution of Plasmodium vivax
Researchers have shown that Plasmodium vivax, which causes the majority of human malaria infections in Asia and Latin America, actually originated in Africa.
Immune system development linked to leukaemia
Scientists have discovered a genetic signature that implicates a key mechanism in the immune system as a driving force for a type of childhood leukaemia.
Why is type 2 diabetes an increasing problem?
Contrary to a common belief, researchers have shown that genetic regions associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes were unlikely to have been beneficial to people at stages through human evolution.
Gene promotes one in a hundred tumours
Researchers have identified a gene that drives the development of tumours in over one per cent of all cancer patients. This is the first time that the gene CUX1 has been broadly linked to cancer development.
What makes the deadliest form of malaria specific to people?
Researchers have discovered why the parasite that causes the deadliest form of malaria only infects humans.
Fred Sanger, 1918-2013
Fred Sanger, who died on Tuesday (19 November 2013), aged 95, was the quiet giant of genomics, the father of an area of science that we will explore for decades to come. His achievements rank alongside those of Francis Crick, James Watson and Rosalind Franklin in discovering the structure of DNA.