‘I am just so thankful’:The test that let little Mairead beat the odds
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Medicine

‘I am just so thankful’:The test that let little Mairead beat the odds

The findings of a landmark genetic study bolster calls for the federal government to establish a free expanded carrier screening program.

  • byKate Aubusson

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Insurers banned from jacking up premiums based on your genes

Insurers banned from jacking up premiums based on your genes

People who undergo genetic testing for medical purposes will never be obliged to share their results with insurers,and insurers will not be allowed to ask.

  • byNatassia Chrysanthos
Sasha has a disease so rare,it doesn’t have a name

Sasha has a disease so rare,it doesn’t have a name

An ultra-rare genetic mutation has seven-year-old Sasha Lipworth regressing into infancy. Her diagnosis this month gives her a front-row seat to the future of medicine.

  • byAngus Thomson
Sydney family seek treatment for daughter with ultrarare disease
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Sydney family seek treatment for daughter with ultrarare disease

Scientists this month identified the specific mutation causing Sasha Lipworth's regression into infancy,a first step towards an RNA therapy that could correct these issues in the future.

Why Sydney scientists kept two livers alive in a box for a week

Why Sydney scientists kept two livers alive in a box for a week

The world-first study used an organ-preserving machine nicknamed a “liver in a box” that could revolutionise the way scientists trial medicines.

  • byAngus Dalton
Will a revolutionary DNA-editing tool end disease – or threaten humanity?

Will a revolutionary DNA-editing tool end disease – or threaten humanity?

When US biochemist Jennifer Doudna discovered the key for editing DNA,she opened scientific frontiers full of promise – and peril.

  • byGreg Callaghan
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The genetic ‘crystal ball’:Would you want to know which disease will kill you?

The genetic ‘crystal ball’:Would you want to know which disease will kill you?

Your risk of cancer,heart attack and Alzheimer’s could be revealed with a swab of saliva. But the burgeoning DNA technology has significant flaws.

  • byAngus Dalton
‘Years my kids didn’t have’:Boost to Australian gene therapy development
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Healthcare

‘Years my kids didn’t have’:Boost to Australian gene therapy development

When Megan Maack’s two children were diagnosed with childhood dementia,it took years for a drug that could help to be available in Australia.

  • byMary Ward
Gene therapy,blood transfusions,stool monitoring:The Sydneysiders trying to escape death

Gene therapy,blood transfusions,stool monitoring:The Sydneysiders trying to escape death

Tech billionaire Bryan Johnson is convinced he’ll be able to cheat death. His “Don’t Die” movement has hit Australia,and Sydneysiders are signing up to his regime.

  • byAmber Schultz
Louise says genetic testing saved her life. But others are being put off

Louise says genetic testing saved her life. But others are being put off

Concerns about how life insurance deals with genetic testing are deterring people from getting important tests. Even the industry welcomes government intervention.

  • byNatassia Chrysanthos
It’s free and essential for planning a pregnancy,but few know this test exists

It’s free and essential for planning a pregnancy,but few know this test exists

Carrier screening could have saved Elizabeth Tierney the heartache of losing her infant son. Tests for three of the most common and serious genetic conditions will now be eligible for bulk-billing.

  • byAngus Thomson