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Study reveals 'superhero DNA'
DNA
The findings could be a starting point from which to investigate other changes or anomalies in developing therapies.
Research reveals genetic disease resilience
 
An international team of researchers have studied a database of nearly 600,000 people revealing that 13 were born with ‘superhero DNA’.  

Published in Nature Biotechnology, the approach reveals that 13 healthy people should have developed one of eight severe genetic diseases. The next step is to unravel why.

In a pioneering approach to genetic studies, the focus was directed at the DNA of those who remain healthy, rather than those who became ill. The findings could be a starting point from which to investigate other changes or anomalies in developing therapies.

In an interview with the BBC, Dr Eric Schadt from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, said: “Most genomic studies focus on finding the cause of a disease, but we see tremendous opportunity in figuring out what keeps people healthy.”

However, progress with the findings has been limited by consent rules signed by the database of DNA sample providers. Despite discovering 13 ‘genetic superheroes’, the scientists are unable to trace them. Pulling into question the ethics behind genetic data sharing, the study is an example of what can be achieved through anonymous genetic and clinical data.

Talking to the BBC, Dr Matthew Hurles, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, said: “The full benefits of such altruistic data sharing is only fully realised when it becomes possible to go back to the resilient individual to try and understand how their resilience is achieved.”

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com