Most of us grow up thinking of genetic conditions as something rare—something that happens “in other families” or only when there is a known history of disease. The truth is more surprising: many healthy people unknowingly carry genetic changes that can be passed on to their children. This is where…
The NHS in England has launched a first-of-its-kind national genetics programme to help people at high inherited risk of cancer receive ongoing checks, tests and personalised care. This new initiative centres on the NHS National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register, a database of people whose genes put them at higher risk…
Cardiac genetic testing is rapidly emerging as one of the most important tools in modern heart health care—especially for people with a family history of heart disease or unexplained cardiac problems. At its core, this type of testing looks at your DNA to identify specific gene changes that can increase…
Imagine doing everything “right.” You eat reasonably well, you stay active, you don’t smoke. And yet, your cholesterol stays stubbornly high—sometimes very high. For many people, this isn’t about willpower or lifestyle. It’s about genetics. One of the most common inherited conditions affecting cholesterol is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). It causes…
Have you ever wondered why a medicine works perfectly for someone else, but gives you side effects or doesn’t work at all? This is more common than people think. One important reason is genetics. Your DNA influences how your body breaks down medicines, how strongly they act, and whether you…
Wellness DNA tests have become incredibly popular. With a simple saliva sample, you can receive reports that claim to reveal everything from your ideal diet to your fitness “type,” vitamin needs, and even some health risks. For many people, these results feel empowering—like a shortcut to better lifestyle choices. But…
Most of us visit a doctor only when we feel unwell. Traditional healthcare has largely been reactive—treating disease after symptoms appear. But genomics is helping change that approach. Today, genetic and genomic testing can sometimes identify health risks early, allowing people to take preventive steps before illness develops. This is…
Hidden inside our DNA are many short sequences that repeat again and again, like stutters in the genetic code. Most of the time, these repeats are harmless. But when they grow too long, they can disrupt how genes work and trigger serious neurological and developmental diseases. These conditions, known as…
Inside almost every cell in your body lives a tiny power plant called the mitochondrion. These microscopic structures generate the energy that keeps your heart beating, your brain thinking, and your muscles moving. But mitochondria carry something even more surprising: their own DNA. This small but powerful genetic code is…
Many people believe genetics is something you only think about after a diagnosis. But one of the simplest and most powerful tools for predicting health risk is already available to you: your family history. A well-recorded family health history can reveal patterns that suggest an increased genetic risk, and it…
