Cambridge to be involved in genome sequencing for the NHS?

David Cameron has annouced a  new programme of genome sequencing of 100,000 people who have cancer. This should help us deliver personalised medicine in the future.

He visited the Cancer Research UK Institute on the Addenbrookes to annouce this.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20663090

How variable are our genomes?

The 1000 genome project aims to sequence one thousand people's genomes. An interesting paper has been published looking at how many mutations we have on average and whether or not they are harmful.

Tha full paper is available here http://download.cell.com/AJHG/pdf/PIIS0002929712005381.pdf?intermediate=true

It is good practice for those of you wanting to study Biology or Science at University to have a go at reading real science papers. Don't worry if there are bits you dont understand - try reading the abstract (a summary) and looking at the figures.

There is also a BBC article on this paper for those who prefer to read that
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20617312

Don't forget to use SNAB online to help you revise fro any exams

Check out the youtube tutorial in the links section.

Helpful snab online sections include...

Skills support to brush up your biochemistry
Skills support to help identify key question words in the exam
A-Z glossary
Links to all interactive tutorials
Bionews

Genome sequencing and MRSA

In your AS year you will go on a trip to The Sanger Centre where a large amount of the human genome was sequenced.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22501-mining-mrsa-genetic-code-halts-superbug-outbreak.html

Here is a link to a story showing how work at this Centre has led to the halting of an MRSA outbreak at the special baby ward at the Hospital in Cambridge. MRSA is a strain of antibiotic resistant bacteria you study in Topic 6.

Genetics, research and the future of medicine

There is a great series of videos on the Guardian newspaper website about genetics and disease. These are relevant for Topic 2.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2012/oct/13/genes-disease-video
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2012/oct/25/breast-cancer-family-genetics-medicine-video?intcmp=239
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2012/nov/09/brave-new-world-genomics-genetics-medicine-video

Gene therapy

Gene therapy is a topic we cover in Topic 2 but is not widely available as a non experimental treatment. Now a gene therapy has been licensed in Europe. This is a therapy that uses a virus to infect muscle cells with a working copy of the gene lipoprotein lipase.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2012/07/news_detail_001574.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1

Thinking of having your genome sequenced?

Knowing the sequence of your genome would allow for personalised medicine but is it really something that is feasible now? Maybe... There is a new smartphone app that allows you to carry your genome around with you securely should you need it!

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21628896.300-want-to-keep-your-genome-safe-theres-an-app-for-that.html

Biologists (working at the Sanger Institute nr Cambridge) have published the most detailed map of the human genome - looking into regions that were thought to be "junk DNA". This data is all open access to all. Pretty amazing stuff!

http://www.nature.com/news/encode-the-human-encyclopaedia-1.11312

Could the risky and invasive prenatal tests CVS and amniocentesis be a thing of the past?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18353055

Cystic fibrosis is a terminal genetic condition that affects the respiratory, gastric intestinal and resproductive systems. People with the condition often have chest infections that can lead to lung scarring as they produce musus that is too sticky and so traps bacteria in the lungs. Recent work has suggested garlic extract may help reduce the number of infections.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120527115543.htm