Researchers in Japan and Canada have discovered a key component of the quality control mechanism that operates inside human cells – sometimes too well. The breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) and some other hereditary diseases, the researchers say. Their results were published July 25 in the journal Science.

Happiness in life is as much down to having the right genetic mix as it is to personal circumstances according to a recent study.

The first UK trial of a new drug which targets the DNA repair mechanism in people with hereditary forms of breast or ovarian cancer, is being started by Newcastle University scientists working for the charity, Cancer Research UK.