Heart disease is a big deal. It's one of the leading causes of death worldwide. But what if we could use our genes to predict who is at risk? That's where polygenic risk scores (PRS) come in. These scores look at many genes to see if someone might be more likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD). PRS are like a report card for your genes. They can show if you...
Psoriasis and Crohn's disease often show up together. But why? Scientists are trying to figure out if genes or lifestyle choices play a bigger role. First, let's talk about genes. They can influence whether someone gets these diseases. But genes aren't the whole story. Lifestyle matters too. Things like diet, exercise, and stress can affect health. Researchers are ...
The connection between our genes and personality is a hot topic. One interesting angle is the role of genetic risk for schizophrenia. It turns out that having a high genetic risk for schizophrenia might influence personality traits in people who don't actually develop the disorder. This is not about causing schizophrenia but rather about how genes might shape who ...
Genes and lifestyle choices play a big role in how well older people age. A recent study looked into how changes in lifestyle and genetic factors affect frailty in older adults. Frailty is a big issue for many seniors. It makes them weak and more likely to fall or get sick. It is a serious problem that can lead to a loss of independence. The study found that mak...
Breast cancer in Africa is often found too late. This is a big problem. To fix this, better tools are needed to spot who is at risk. Why is this so important? Well, catching cancer early can make a huge difference. It can even save lives. Think about it. Many women in Africa don't know they have breast cancer until it's too late. This is because they don't have acce...
DNA tests are becoming popular for understanding heart health. These tests can reveal if you have a higher chance of developing heart disease due to your genes. They can also show how your body might respond to certain medications. This is exciting because it allows people to access this information without first visiting a doctor. However, doctors are divided on ho...
Imagine learning about your family's future health risks as soon as your baby is born. That's what can happen with newborn genome sequencing (NBSeq). It's a powerful tool that can spot diseases early in children and even alert families to possible risks for relatives. This isn't just about the baby; it's about the whole family tree. Researchers looked into how famil...
You might think your genes decide how long you live, but a new study says that’s not entirely true. By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can actually reduce the risk of early death by about 62%. This finding comes from research published in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine. The study used data from over 350,000 people with European ancestry, tracking their lifestyles and g...