The genetics of rare diseases

Some diseases are “simple.” A single change in one gene can cause the disease. Sickle cell anemia is an example. But, it has more than one symptom, or phenotype. Complex diseases are a result of changes in many genes. They can also have lots of symptoms. Using simple diseases, researchers Read more…

Looking for new gene-disease links

We are all born with gene changes. We get them from our parents. Most of them do not cause any problems. These gene changes are in all our cells. Most of these gene changes are tiny. They involve one change in a gene. Like a typo in a recipe. Most Read more…

Genetics of sepsis and organ failure

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It contains iron. Oxygen binds to the iron in hemoglobin. As your heart pumps blood through your body, it delivers oxygen. When red blood cells die, they burst. This releases hemoglobin. Free hemoglobin can cause damage to kidneys and other organs. Read more…

Genetics of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of bowel disease. It can affect any part of your digestive track, from your mouth to your anus. Most of time, it affects the end of your small intestine. It causes swelling in the lining of your digestive track. Crohn’s disease affects different parts of Read more…

Genetics of language and rhythm

Some children are slow to learn language skills. They may not say words until they are 2 years old. It may also be hard to understand them. They may have Specific Language Impairment (SLI). SLI is a language disorder. It is not associated with any developmental delays or hearing loss. Read more…