For the first time, scientists have changed human stem cells into functional insulin-producing cells in mice, potentially promising a breakthrough in treatment for those suffering from type 1 diabetes.
Oxford Nanopore has launched its two new “109” cDNA kits, which provide high throughput while generating complete sequences of full-length cDNA strands with a low input option of just 1ng PolyA+ RNA.
Genomics industry professionals working in the USA are the highest paid in the world and their UK colleagues earn on average less than half as much. This was one of the most striking findings from the second annual Genomics Industry Workforce survey report published this week by Front Line Genomics and Paramount Recruitment.
Scientists at the Institute of Neuroscience (ION) in China have reportedly used gene-editing technology to disable a certain gene vital to sleep-cycle in macaque monkeys. This prototype could create populations of genetically identical monkeys to allow scientists to better study the mechanisms of complex human disorders.
Scientists working at the University of California have developed a form of gene drive to control the inheritance of multiple genes in mice. Until now, such technology has been limited to the control of inheritance in insects only.
The introduction of multi-omic research, the advancement of AI and machine learning to improve nearly every aspect of sequencing and data analysis, are just some of the big changes that will only become more prevalent in the future. We spoke to Angela Douglas MBE, Scientific Director of Genetics Laboratories at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, for her opinions on the changing nature of genomics and the trends to watch out for.
Genomics England has announced the appointment of Jonathan Symonds CBE as its new Chair to replace Sir John Chisholm, who leaves the organisation on 29 January 2019. Genomics England’s CEO, Professor John Mattick, is also stepping down to be temporarily replaced by Genomic England’s current Chief Scientist, Professor Mark Caulfield.
With so many talks and panels occurring across our four stages and Live Lounge, we understand that it can be pretty hard to pick out the most unmissable discussions at the festival this year. Given the conundrum, we thought we’d help out! We’ve selected a couple of talks and panels occurring across the two days which we think will be incredibly interesting and enormously informative for a whole range of people.
Front Line Genomics was created with a social mission after our founder lost his father to mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. That’s why we thought it so important to showcase Nick Sireau, who co-founded the AKU Society to combat the disease, and is now about to finish a seven-year study into a drug which play a major part in eradicating AKU altogether.
Data integration has been one of the major trends of the last few years, and one which will become ever-more important as the life sciences sectors progress further. Dr. Maya Ghoussaini, Genetic Analysis Team Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and Dr. Denise Carvalho-Silva, Scientific Outreach Lead at EMBL-EBI, both working at Open Targets, here discuss the importance of this process, and their own work within the realm of data integration.
A new study published in Cell magazine and co-authored by CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna has suggested a potential solution to the unwanted side-effects of using CRISPR in the body. The study details using a “switch” mechanism which could keep the Cas9 enzyme turned off until it reaches its target site.
Chronomics a healthtech company which allows individuals to track their health and wellbeing through epigenetic information, has received £1.12 million in seed funding after launching the company last year.
We know it’s hard to believe, but right now there are still some people who haven’t made up their minds to come to the 2019 Festival. Lucky for them we plan for every eventuality, and have prepared the five main reasons everyone should be registering their place at the event right now.
With just under two weeks till the festival, it’s time to start thinking logistics. The more scatter-brained of our readers needn’t worry, however: we’ve got everything you need covered in this handy guide, whether it’s things to remember before you arrive at the festival, the best things to do once there and the last couple of things to remember when it’s all done.
Genetics Unzipped, a new fortnightly podcast from the UK Genetics Society, has launched ahead of the society’s centenary celebrations throughout 2019. Presented by award-winning science writer and former Naked Genetics/Naked Scientists podcast host Kat Arney and produced by First Create The Media, Genetics Unzipped will bring you a wide range of stories from the world of genetics, genomics and DNA.
