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. 
    How is pharmacogenomics being used?
    Story

    In a small number of cases, doctors are able to use pharmacogenomics in their treatment of patients.
    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…
    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…
    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.
    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.
    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. 
    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: 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. 
    What is malaria?
    Facts

    Spread by mosquitos, malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases and a global public health challenge. 
    Adverse drug reactions
    Story

    An adverse drug reaction is when a medication given as instructed and at a normal dose has an unwanted or harmful effect on a patient. 
    What is gene therapy?
    Facts

    Gene therapy is when DNA is introduced into a patient to treat a genetic disease. The new DNA usually contains a functioning gene to correct the effects of a disease-causing mutation.
    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.
    What is Salmonella?
    Facts

    Salmonella are a group of bacteria that cause a wide spectrum of diseases. They are able to cause significant morbidity, and in some case, mortality, in both humans and animals.  

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