Insights into the genetic causes of coronary artery disease and heart attacks
In the largest genetic study of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) to date, researchers from the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D Consortium report the identification of 15 genetic regions newly associated with the disease, bringing to 46 the number of regions associated with CAD risk.
Biology behind brain development disorder
Researchers have defined the gene responsible for a rare developmental disorder in children. The team showed that rare variation in a gene involved in brain development causes the disorder. This is the first time that this gene, UBE3B, has been linked to a disease.
Bacterial DNA sequence used to map an infection outbreak
For the first time, researchers have used DNA sequencing to help bring an infectious disease outbreak in a hospital to a close.
C’est difficile
In a new study out today, researchers used mice to identify a combination of six naturally occurring bacteria that eradicate a highly contagious form of Clostridium difficile, an infectious bacterium associated with many hospital deaths. Three of the six bacteria have not been described before. This work may have significant implications for future control and treatment approaches.
Babies learn the smell of mum
Newborn mice use mum’s unique odour, not a pheromone, to begin breastfeeding
Human genome far more active than thought
The GENCODE Consortium expects the human genome has twice as many genes than previously thought, many of which might have a role in cellular control and could be important in human disease. This remarkable discovery comes from the GENCODE Consortium, which has done a painstaking and skilled review of available data on gene activity.
Near and far, nature and nurture
A new study points the way to discover genetic variants that affect human health. It is the first study to use unique sets of samples from twins that mean the team - led by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, among others - can unpick the relative contributions of genetic variants in the genome and the environment in controlling activity of key genes.
Metabolic MAGIC
Researchers have identified 38 new genetic regions that are associated with glucose and insulin levels in the blood. This brings the total number of genetic regions associated with glucose and insulin levels to 53, over half of which are associated with type 2 diabetes.
Close to the bone
A genetic screening approach to studying bone disease has found nine new genes associated with bone health and suggests a new way to discover genes that may be implicated in human skeletal diseases. This collaborative study of the mineral content, strength and flexibility of bones has found clues to the cause of bone disorders such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, and high bone density…
Building better science conversations
The world-leading Wellcome Trust Science Conference Centre begins work today on a £9 million development which includes a new residential bedroom block of 64 rooms, increasing the overnight accommodation to a total of 136 bedrooms. This exciting development will strengthen the already state-of-the art facilities, including a 300-seat auditorium, a flexible 60-seat meeting room, a self-contained…
Tracking MRSA in real time
In a new study released today in New England Journal of Medicine, researchers demonstrate that whole genome sequencing can provide clinically relevant data on bacterial transmission within a timescale that can influence infection control and patient management.
Putting parasites on the world map
Researchers have developed a new technique to identify hotspots of malaria parasite evolution and track the rise of malarial drug resistance, faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Untangling the development of breast cancer
In two back-to-back reports published online in Cell, researchers have sequenced the genomes of 21 breast cancers and analysed the mutations that emerged during the tumours’ development. Led by researchers from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, the team created a catalogue of all the mutations in the genomes of the 21 cancer genomes and identified the mutational processes that lead to breast…
Understanding breast cancer
In a study just published in Nature, researchers describe nine new genes that drive the development of breast cancer. This takes the tally of all genes associated with breast cancer development to 40.
Sanger Institute scientist elected Fellow of the Royal Society
Professor Gordon Dougan, head of Pathogens at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, has been elected to Fellowship of the Royal Society, the UK's leading scientific organisation. Friday's announcement (20 April) recognises Professor Dougan’s significant contribution to the genetics of infectious disease.
What have we got in common with a gorilla?
Researchers have announced that they have completed the genome sequence for the gorilla – the last genus of the living great apes to have its genome decoded. While confirming that our closest relative is the chimpanzee, the team show that much of the human genome more closely resembles the gorilla than it does the chimpanzee genome.
When is a gene not a gene?
Researchers have developed a new catalogue to help identify gene variations associated with disease.
Preventing the devil’s downfall
Researchers have sequenced the genome of a contagious cancer that is threatening the Tasmanian devil, the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, with extinction. Cataloguing the mutations present in the cancer has led to clues about where the cancer came from and how it became contagious.