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22 Dec 2014
NHS England unveils major project to explore secrets of DNA
BY
Jak Phillips
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The advanced understanding of genetic codes and the potential for targeted treatments could have major implications for wellness
photo: Shutterstock.com
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has unveiled a major genetics project which will seek to unravel the mysteries of DNA and disease. The publicly-funded health service is to establish 11 Genomics Medicine Centres in hospitals across the country. Scientists will examine thousands of DNA samples from patients with cancer or rare genetic diseases in an effort to devise targeted treatments.
Within three years, the scientists hope to be able to sequence 100,000 genomes, with the data then made available to drugs companies and researchers who will work to create new screening tests and drugs that could help to eradicate some of the most devastating diseases.
The UK government recently pledged £300m (US$469m, €382m) of funding for the project, which will involve researchers comparing the genetic code in the healthy tissue of cancer patients with the code of their tumour, in the scientific equivalent of ‘spot the difference.’
Greater understanding of genetic codes and the potential for targeted treatments could have major implications for wellness. Spas and health clubs could harness the information to enhance their diagnostic capabilities and provide long-term, targeted treatment programmes for chronic conditions. There would also be advances in the ability to map biological and aesthetic ageing.
Greater awareness of our bodies’ genetic makeups could also serve to inform dietary and lifestyle programmes, paving the way for more concise understanding of an individual’s nutritional needs and intolerances (an area tipped for growth in the 2014 Spa Business Handbook, (p.21). For example, mapping an individual’s genomes would help to understand that person’s ability to break down compounds such as fats or collagen – leading to insights into future BMI and skin appearance.
Exercise programmes could also stand to benefit, with a recent study in Sweden finding that exercise has the power to change the shape and functioning of our genes by altering our DNA.
“The creation of the new NHS Genomic Medicine Centres will play a key role in bringing together researchers, NHS clinicians and trainees to work on whole genome data that has never been collected on this scale before,” said professor Mark Caulfield, chief scientist at Genomics England.
“We have a clear goal of accelerating the findings from the programme back into mainstream healthcare at the fastest possible pace, meaning more rapid results for patients.”
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