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 […]
Researchers uncover genetic marker associated with fatty liver disease
The link between a specific genetic marker and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been validated in this study by researchers from several institutions and organisations, including the […]
Largest ever study using wearable devices finds physical activity is beneficial for health, and more intense activity is better
Physical activity of any intensity is beneficial for health, but more intense activity has greater benefits, according to a new study published today in Nature Medicine. In the largest study […]
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 […]