Topic description and stories

Cambridge has played a central role in the story of genomics: from uncovering the structure of DNA through to inventing a super-fast way of reading the genetic code. Today, researchers are using genomic information to make more accurate diagnoses, enable personalised medicine, tackle threats like COVID-19, and even reconstruct the ancient history of humans.

A little boy with a shaved head is smiling as he is laying on a hospital bed.

Cutting-edge genomic test can improve care of children with cancer

02 Jul 2024

Whole genome sequencing has improved clinical care of some children with cancer in England by informing individual patient care. Research published...

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Scientist looking down microscope

Cambridge partners with AstraZeneca and Medical Research Council on new world-class functional genomics laboratory

27 Nov 2023

The facility, based at the Milner Therapeutics Institute, will support the discovery of new medicines and diagnostics for chronic diseases by...

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Cola

DNA discovery highlights how we maintain healthy blood sugar levels after meals

08 Jun 2023

A study of the DNA of more than 55,000 people worldwide has shed light on how we maintain healthy blood sugar levels after we have eaten, with...

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Tasmanian Devil

Evolution of two contagious cancers affecting Tasmanian devils underlines unpredictability of disease threat

20 Apr 2023

Scientists have traced the family trees of two transmissible cancers that affect Tasmanian devils and have pinpointed mutations which may drive...

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Should we allow genome editing of human embryos?

28 Feb 2023

A citizens’ jury of individuals whose lives have been affected by hereditary disease has voted in favour of asking the UK government to consider...

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Mitochondria surrounded by cytoplasm

New route to evolution: how DNA from our mitochondria gets into our genomes

05 Oct 2022

Scientists have shown that in one in every 4,000 births, some of the genetic code from our mitochondria – the ‘batteries’ that power our cells –...

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The doctor turned detective investigating the imprints of cancer

15 Aug 2022

Self-confessed ‘nerd’ Serena Nik-Zainal went from hospital wards to the laboratory on a mission to provide patients with the best possible treatment...

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Prehistoric roots of cold sore virus traced through ancient DNA

27 Jul 2022

First ancient herpes genomes to be sequenced suggest a Bronze Age flourishing linked to migrations into Europe and possibly the emergence of kissing.

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Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Largest study of whole genome sequencing data reveals new clues to causes of cancer

21 Apr 2022

DNA analysis of thousands of tumours from NHS patients has found a ‘treasure trove’ of clues about the causes of cancer, with genetic mutations...

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Airplane wing

Genomic study shows that England’s travel quarantine measures were effective – up to a limit

23 Feb 2022

Fourteen-day quarantine measures imposed on incoming travellers returning to England in summer 2020 helped prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus...

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Zetta Genomics

Cambridge spin-out aims to realise the power of genomic data in precision medicine

02 Feb 2022

Cambridge spin-out Zetta Genomics has raised £2.5 million in new seed funding from Nina Capital, APEX Medical and Cambridge Enterprise to advance its...

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3D image showing irritable bowel syndrome

Large-scale genetic study reveals new clues for the shared origins of irritable bowel syndrome and mental health disorders

05 Nov 2021

An international study of more than 50,000 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has revealed that IBS symptoms may be caused by the same...

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