Scientists have discovered how a receptor in the brain, called MC3R, detects the nutritional state of the body and regulates the timing of puberty and rate of growth in children […]
Researchers identify new genes linked to longer reproductive lifespan in women
The age at which women go through menopause is critical for fertility and impacts healthy ageing in women, but reproductive ageing has been difficult for scientists to study and insights […]
Rare genetic variants confer largest increase in type 2 diabetes risk seen to date
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified rare genetic variants – carried by one in 3,000 people – that have a larger impact on the risk of developing type […]
New research finds that genetics plays an important role in age at first sex and parenthood
An international research team, led by Professor Melinda Mills and colleagues at the University of Oxford and MRC Epidemiology Unit scientist Dr Felix Day, has discovered hundreds of genetic markers […]
Genetics study links early male puberty to shorter lifespan and darker hair colour
Early puberty in boys is linked to a shorter lifespan and darker hair colour, according to the largest ever study of the genetics of male puberty, led by scientists at […]
Testosterone levels affect risk of metabolic disease and cancers
Having genetically higher testosterone levels increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in women, while reducing the risk in men. Higher testosterone levels also increase the […]
Understanding the causes and consequences of mosaic Y chromosome loss
Research led by Dr John Perry and Dr Deborah Thompson (a former member of the Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology) has found that loss of the Y chromosome from circulating […]
How both mother and baby genes affect birth weight
The largest study of its kind leads to new insights into the complex relationships surrounding how mothers’ and babies’ genes influence birth weight. The research, published in Nature Genetics, identifies […]
Discovery of genetic variants that protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes could lead to new weight loss medicines
Around four million people in the UK carry genetic variants that protect them from obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, suggests new research from the University of Cambridge. The […]
Gene variations that reduce ability to store fat around the hips linked to higher risk of diabetes and heart attacks
People who are less likely to put on excess fat around their hips due to their genes are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart attacks, according to […]