Archived genomics news from across the University of Edinburgh. Strengthening colorectal cancer research in Scotland by appointing first surgical research chair Farhat Din of the Institute of Genetics and Cancer becomes Scotland's first Chair in Surgical Colorectal Cancer Research to tackle the second most common cancer in Scotland. Connectivity in dolphin DNA may support conservation plans Atlantic white-sided dolphins have been shown to be highly interconnected within their population, challenging the common assumption of divided groups in cetacean species. New test could help detect type 2 diabetes risk Analysis of DNA changes in the blood can better predict a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes within a decade. Gene activity and digit structure determine fingerprint patterns Fingerprint formation is initiated by a specific molecular process influenced by the anatomy of the developing hand, according to the results of the study led by researchers at the Roslin Institute. Professor Cathy Abbott appointed to NC3Rs Board Professor Cathy Abbott, Professor of Mammalian Molecular Genetics and Group Leader at CGEM, joins the Board of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs). Genome project sheds light on rare diseases in Scotland Detection and treatment of rare and severe inherited diseases in routine care can be improved by genome sequencing, according to a new study by CGEM researchers. Centre for Engineering Biology for the future A new Centre for Engineering Biology at the University of Edinburgh will build on existing strengths in Synthetic Biology, attracting new interdisciplinary collaborations and driving impact. Insights into the genetics of human height ORCADES and Viking Health Study – Shetland volunteer data used in largest ever genetic study helps to identify 12,000 genetic variants associated with height. Repositioning of the human centromere activates transcription and opens the chromatin fibre structure A team of researchers from the MRC Human Genetics Unit is using neo-centromeres as a model system to gain insights into the properties of canonical centromeres. CSO Award for Dr. Kathy Evans of the Centre for Genomic & Experimental Medicine for research into Alzheimer's disease Dr. Kathy Evans recently received a Chief Scientist Office award to study the link between the SORT1 gene and Alzheimer's disease. Thousands of people diagnosed with rare genetic diseases in large research study Around 5,500 people with severe developmental disabilities now know the genetic cause of their condition, thanks to a nationwide study that will help improve diagnosis worldwide. New study using Generation Scotland and Viking Genes data finds over 500 genes linked to lung health Genomes from over half-a-million participants worldwide were analysed, making it the largest and most ethnically-diverse study of its kind. Generation Scotland seeks new volunteers to take part in nation's health study All adults and young people in Scotland are being asked to take part in a large-scale study that will help shape the nation's health care. A picky eater? It could be in your DNA The largest genetic study of our food likes and dislikes sheds new light on people's eating habits. Genetic analysis key to understanding Legionella risk, study finds Routine sampling of water supplies and genomic sequencing of Legionella bacteria could play a key role in identifying the source of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks, according to a study. Scotland's Covid 19 wastewater data could provide new health insights Data from Scotland's Covid 19 wastewater programme could provide future insights into the pandemic and its long-term health effects, and help combat other viruses. Kidney cancer drug approved in NHS Scotland and across the UK The results of an international study, the UK component of which was led from Edinburgh, have led to the approval of the first treatment to reduce recurrences after kidney cancer surgery. Enzyme therapy is promising for childhood dementia Roslin Institute studies with sheep show potential benefit of enzyme replacement therapy for incurable neurological diseases. The hunt for genes to unravel the mystery of myalgic encephalomyelitis begins The search for the genetic signal for one of the world's most mysterious diseases is led by researchers at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer in Edinburgh. Understanding cell state transitions could support therapeutic developments Researchers from the Institute of Genetics and Cancer collaborated on a study describing a novel approach to mapping cell states, modelling cell state transitions, and predicting targeted interventions to alter cell fate decisions. This article was published on 2022-11-07