Targeting Disease

Some human diseases are due to changes in our DNA. Others are due to invading pathogens. Explore the role our genes play in disease and how scientists are using genetics to develop more effective treatments.  

    Science in the time of cholera
    Story

    Although cholera is commonly thought to be a disease of the Victorian era, it is still a significant problem in many areas of the modern world. Genomics research is helping to bring us closer to understanding how we may eliminate it once and for all. 
    Tracking ‘superbugs’
    Story

    Infectious diseases can spread quickly in a hospital environment, particularly if the pathogen that causes the disease is resistant to the drugs relied on to fight it. Genomics may be able to help track these resistant pathogens and nip them in the bud before they become widespread…
    How is genomics being used to tackle neglected tropical diseases?
    Story

    Neglected tropical diseases affect the poorest of the world’s populations but relatively little is known about their biology. Genomics is now providing insight into these diseases and enabling scientists to develop new strategies to prevent and treat these debilitating diseases.
    How is pharmacogenomics being used?
    Story

    In a small number of cases, doctors are able to use pharmacogenomics in their treatment of patients.
    Defeating the little dragon
    Story

    The Guinea worm is a water-transmitted parasite that develops over a year in its host before painfully emerging from the skin. It is hoped that it will soon become the first parasite to be eradicated but there are a few challenges to overcome first…
    What is colorectal cancer?
    Facts

    Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is a complex disease that is influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.
    Is cancer a genetic disease?
    Facts

    Cancer is the most common human genetic disease. The transition from a normal cell to a malignant cancer is driven by changes to a cell’s DNA, also known as mutations.
    What is hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer?
    Facts

    Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer is a rare condition, but it is the commonest inherited syndrome that predisposes sufferers to early-onset colorectal cancer. 
    What is familial adenomatous polyposis?
    Facts

    Familial adenomatous polyposis is an inherited cancer syndrome that predisposes patients to early-onset colorectal cancer, and some other cancers.
    What are helminths?
    Facts

    Helminths are worm-like parasites that survive by feeding on a living host to gain nourishment and protection, sometimes resulting in illness of the host. There are a variety of different helminths from the very large to the microscopic. 
    The ongoing battle against drug resistant malaria
    Story

    Resistance to antimalarial drugs is one of the biggest problems currently facing malaria control. Recent studies looking at the genome of the malaria parasite could help scientists understand how drug resistance has evolved – and develop the tools needed to keep it in check.
    A weapon against malaria
    Story

    Malaria parasites have a complex life cycle and high variability which has made the development of a vaccine a real challenge. Currently the most advanced vaccine candidate is RTS,S. 
    Malaria: the master of disguise
    Story

    Sequencing the genome of the malaria parasite has revealed interesting clues as to how it is able to evade the human immune system for long enough to cause disease. 
    What is schistosomiasis?
    Facts

    Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is transmitted through contact with fresh water contaminated with the parasite’s larvae.  
    What is African sleeping sickness?
    Facts

    African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the tsetse fly. It gets its nickname ‘sleeping sickness’ because symptoms can include a disturbed sleep pattern.  
    How is malaria treated and prevented?
    Facts

    Malaria is an entirely preventable and treatable disease if tackled early enough. However, there are growing problems with drug resistance that are posing a threat to the global fight against malaria.
    What is malaria?
    Facts

    Spread by mosquitos, malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases and a global public health challenge. 
    My career in genomics: antibiotic resistance
    Video

    In this film Christine Boinett talks about her research looking at antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This is one of a series of films providing a unique insight into different careers in the field of genomics. 
    My career in genomics: immune diseases
    Video

    In this film Gosia Trynka talks about her research looking at the effect of genetic changes on the immune system. This is one of a series of films providing a unique insight into different careers in the field of genomics. 
    My career in genomics: cancer biology
    Video

    In this film Niki Patel talks about her research looking at the genetics of cancer. This is one of a series of films providing a unique insight into different careers in the field of genomics. 

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