News Now
Is it better to be mixed race?:
5 November 2009
Dr Jim Wilson, featured in the recent Channel 4 documentary: "Is it better to be mixed race?" The programme examined claims that there are biological advantages to being of mixed race. It has been known for many years that cousin marriage increases the risks of many genetic diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis. Research is now exploring whether the level of 
homozygosity, the degree to which the DNA we inherit from our mothers and fathers is identical, inflluences our susceptibility to more common diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The documentary took a look at the other end of this spectrum, by analysing homozygosity in the DNA of Andrew, a first generation African-European mixed race individual and comparing it with thousands of samples from around the world. Dr Wilson said:
"Andrew's results were off the scale: there was hardly any homozygosity at all in his genome! To the degree that if homozygosity increases disease risk, then lack of homozygosity (called heterozygosity) should be beneficial."
Links
- The Channel 4 Documentary: "Is it better to be mixed race?" (*broadcast link lasts for 28 days only).
Unit Scientist discusses research in House of Commons:
17 November 2009
Dr Xinhua Shu, a senior scientist at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, recently attended a drinks reception in the House of Commons to launch the new Retinitis Pigmentosa patient information DVD ‘Living with RP’. Dr Shu was invited by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP, and the Chairman of RP Fighting Blindness, Sir Alan Rudge CBE.
At the event, John Bercow delivered a speech in support of the work of the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society and of patients who suffer from this condition.
Dr Shu used the opportunity to discuss his work with John Bercow, who encouraged him to continue his important research. Dr Shu also had a chance to meet the trustees of BRPS and other retinitis pigmentosa experts from around the UK.
Links