21 Sep 2023

Pine Hoverfly is back from the brink with the help of new genomes

With adult Pine Hoverflies seen in Scotland for the first time in many years, top-quality genome sequences are now helping make a permanent success of saving arguably Britain’s most endangered insect.
AdobeStock

15 Sep 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Scientists use genomics to uncover syphilis transmission patterns in England, in a pioneering new approach for STI surveillance

14 Sep 2023

1,000 species get their genomes sequenced for the first time

A thousand reference genomes of the highest quality have now been produced for diverse eukaryotic species across the tree of life.
Dan Ross / Wellcome Sanger Institute

14 Sep 2023

SIREN study expands surveillance of respiratory pathogens ahead of winter

The Wellcome Sanger Institute will sequence samples provided by UKHSA and use metagenomics to investigate pathogens that cause respiratory infection

12 Sep 2023

Mosaic’s becoming

The Sanger Institute is committed to innovative science at scale, but we need partners and investors to transfer this science into the clinic. Mariya Chhatriwala, Business Development Manager, gives us her insights on how the Sanger Institute’s fifth spin-out company came to be.
Onur Pinar / Wellcome Sanger Institute and The Royal Society

30 Aug 2023

Peter Campbell honoured with Darwin Medal by the Royal Society

The award, created in memory of Charles Darwin, recognises Dr Campbell’s outstanding achievements and dedication to advancing knowledge and understanding ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

30 Aug 2023

Richard Durbin recognised for his contribution to the biology of genomes

Professor Durbin has been awarded the 39th International Prize for Biology in recognition of his pioneering work to develop and openly ...
AdobeStock

28 Aug 2023

Key human bladder cancer genes pinpointed in cats and dogs

Scientists identify common genes responsible for spontaneous cancer in cats and dogs that could spur on targeted therapies for humans
AdobeStock

23 Aug 2023

Diversity of human Y chromosome revealed

Researchers assemble the full Y chromosome across multiple individuals for the first time, revealing unexpected diversity, with clues for its role ...

17 Aug 2023

A beginner’s guide to mosquito identification

Use this simple guide to tell your mosquitoes apart this World Mosquito Day
Megumi Inoue, Institut de la Vision

17 Aug 2023

Multiple organ functions of the yolk sac revealed by early human development map

A study describes organ function crossover in the human yolk sac and presents a new rapid pathway for immune cell differentiation.

10 Aug 2023

What is a gene?

A gene is a string of DNA letters that encode a protein - the building blocks of our cells and bodies. One gene encodes one protein. Simple, right? But scratch the surface into the molecular details and it soon gets complicated. Ongoing research, including work by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, is unpacking some of this complexity across diverse organisms - and viruses - and helping to reshape what we mean by a “gene”.

7 Aug 2023

Building an atlas of gene variants to understand health and disease

Mutational scanning technologies are revolutionising the way we understand human genetic variation. A symposium in July brought together researchers from over 50 countries to explore the possibilities of this incipient genomic method, and how it can benefit clinicians and patients.

3 Aug 2023

New Tree of Sex project collects all the wild ways nature reproduces

From sex-changing fish to asexual lizards, these and many more species will be captured in a new sex database made possible by the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s powerful genomic resources.
AdobeStock and DOI:10.1038/s41588-023-01468-x

3 Aug 2023

Skin cancer-related mutations higher in the UK than Singapore

Scientists have discovered differences in the skin’s ability to protect itself from ultraviolet (UV) light as we age between UK ...
AdobeStock

1 Aug 2023

New project to understand the relationship between the microbiome and mental health gets underway

A pioneering longitudinal study aims to revolutionise our understanding of how the gut microbiome in early childhood impacts mental health later ...
AdobeStock

28 Jul 2023

New insights into the evolutionary history of gorillas

Gorilla genomes reveal remnants of a mysterious, extinct population, as scientists unravel the evolutionary history of our closely related species

26 Jul 2023

Bonailie n farewell to the Berriman group

Nearly twenty three years after first joining the Wellcome Sanger Institute, at the end of July Dr Matt Berriman will complete the move of his research to the University of Glasgow, where he is now Professor of Parasitology.

26 Jul 2023

Lee group complete move to Dundee

At the end of July 2023, Dr Marcus Lee and his research group will finalise the move of their Malaria Parasite Drug Resistance programme to the University of Dundee, where he is now Professor of Parasite Molecular Genetics.
Onur Pinar / Wellcome Sanger Institute

26 Jul 2023

Sanger Institute awarded UK Science Council Employer Champion status

The award recognises the work that the Sanger Institute dedicates to the quality and practice of science through the professional development ...

19 Jul 2023

Inspiring tomorrow’s scientists by battling with pipettes

Laura Durrant shares her experience working at the Science Museum, running workshops to demystify life in the lab.
icddr,b

18 Jul 2023

New cholera substrains in Bangladesh uncovered by genomic surveillance confirm the importance of vaccination

A new study has analysed and tracked the spread of this bacterial disease within a vulnerable community, highlighting the importance of ...

17 Jul 2023

Prime Editing

Prime editing is the latest technique that enables scientists to alter the DNA of a living cell. It builds on CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and offers the potential to edit human cells to treat genetic diseases.

12 Jul 2023

Behind the Heart Cell Atlas

Histologists, cardiologists, immunologists, cell biologists, software developers, bioinformaticians and specialist technicians have worked together to see individual cells in unprecedented detail. Using spatial genomics, they located each cell to its precise location in the heart.
Sinoatrial node of human heart. Wellcome Sanger Institute

12 Jul 2023

Detailed map of the heart provides new insights into cardiac health and disease

The study also presents a new tool that uncovers the effects of drugs on heart rate
Adapted from NIAID image

6 Jul 2023

Unlocking the mystery of long-lasting cancer treatment

New insights have been revealed today that explain why some children have a longer remission than others after having cutting-edge CAR ...

5 Jul 2023

Dr David Hulcoop appointed as Open Targets Director

Open Targets is an innovative public-private partnership that uses human genetics and genomics data to systematically identify and prioritise drug targets
Wellcome Sanger Institute and EMBO

4 Jul 2023

Sanger researchers honoured by EMBO

The scientists are being recognised by EMBO for their contributions to immunology, single-cell genomics and machine learning methods.

26 Jun 2023

Swapping stethoscopes for sequencing - a doctor's journey

Chenqu Suo looks back on her PhD, discussing her scientific highlights and her thoughts about what makes the Sanger Institute a special place to study.
Pete Bucktrout, British Antarctic Survey

23 Jun 2023

New genomic mechanisms of fish survival in the extreme cold revealed

New genome data from icefish uncovers their evolutionary history and mechanisms that support adaptation to extreme cold

21 Jun 2023

A barcoding buzz

Sanger researchers are involved in large-scale projects that aim to revolutionise how we monitor and understand global biodiversity – starting with insects. But some of their work is starting closer to home, working with schools and local communities to monitor insect biodiversity across Cambridgeshire and Essex.

20 Jun 2023

Meet Alistair Miles - Malaria Vector Surveillance Lead

With a decade of experience turning mosquitoes into genomic data, Alistair Miles is a pillar of the community of entomologists and analysts that keep track of the evolutionary twists and turns of malaria mosquitoes
David Gregory and Debbie Marshall, Wellcome Images, CC-BY-4.0

15 Jun 2023

Mapping the evolution of E. coli’s main virulence factor offers a refined drug target

Researchers have shown how targeting the bacterium’s protective capsule, which is linked to its virulence, could help prevent and treat ...
AdobeStock

14 Jun 2023

New tool uncovers COVID-19 susceptibility mechanism

Researchers have discovered a genetic mechanism that may explain some of the variation in the risk of COVID-19 infection
Nathan Richoz, University of Cambridge

8 Jun 2023

Single-cell atlas of the whole human lung

First integrated Human Lung Cell Atlas reveals insights into lung diseases

6 Jun 2023

New scheme launched to support researchers returning after extended leave

A new, unique scheme to support postdoctoral researchers at the Sanger Institute launched this year. Backed by the Institute’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiative, the scheme aims to build capacity after a period of leave.

30 May 2023

Predicting the future of genomics

An interview with the Sanger Institute’s new director, Matt Hurles.

22 May 2023

Empowering microbiome research in underrepresented countries

Mentoring and training early career scientists; building technology that can adapt to humid and hotter countries; finding a way of transporting anaerobic microorganisms. The pathway to accelerating microbiome research isn’t lacking challenges.
Wellcome Sanger Institute

18 May 2023

Academy of Medical Sciences announces new Sanger Institute Fellows

Wellcome Sanger Institute scientists, Dr Trevor Lawley, Professor Ben Lehner and Professor Julian Rayner have been elected as Fellows of the ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

15 May 2023

COSMIC welcomes Jon Teague as new director

COSMIC (the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer) - an Associate Research Programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute - is delighted to welcome ...

10 May 2023

A representative reference genome

The human reference genome is the foundation of modern human genetics and genomics, underpinning most research into human health and disease. But, it has limitations - it doesn't reflect human genetic diversity. A new, pangenome reference has now been published, aiming to better represent humanity.
Wellcome Sanger Institute

10 May 2023

Two Sanger scientists elected as Fellows of the Royal Society

Two Wellcome Sanger Institute researchers, Dr Phil Jones and Professor Ben Lehner, have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society ...
Phil Mynott / Wellcome Sanger Institute

5 May 2023

Genomics campus expansion to boost science in UK and health globally

Wellcome announces major investment in phase one of Cambridgeshire development which will deliver new lab space, homes, amenities, and unlock future ...
courtesy of Ocean Census

27 Apr 2023

‘Race against time’ to discover ocean life prompts launch of global Ocean Census initiative

The largest programme in history to discover life in our ocean has been unveiled with the ambitious target of finding at ...

21 Apr 2023

World Malaria Day 2023: Investing, innovating, and implementing genomic surveillance

Every year on April 25th, we observe World Malaria Day to raise awareness and mobilise action against malaria. This year, the World Health Organisation’s call to action focuses on three key areas: investing in the global malaria response, stepping up innovation, and implementing the strategies we have now.

Adobestock

20 Apr 2023

Evolution of two contagious cancers affecting Tasmanian devils underlines unpredictability of disease threat

Scientists have traced the family trees of two transmissible cancers that affect Tasmanian devils and have pinpointed mutations which may drive ...

19 Apr 2023

A defining moment for cholera control

Using genomics to identify the exact strains of bacteria responsible for cholera outbreaks has overturned centuries of thought about the very nature of the disease. Integrating genomics into cholera surveillance efforts will be vital to track and ultimately end the current pandemic, as well as reduce the threat of future ones.

14 Apr 2023

Celebrations, community, and a common aim

Some of our staff reflect on their experiences of working on the Human Genome Project, what it means to them, and how life at the Wellcome Sanger Institute has grown.
Dasha Brogden

13 Apr 2023

5,500 people diagnosed with rare genetic diseases in major research study 

Around 5,500 people with severe developmental disorders now know the genetic cause of their condition, thanks to a major nationwide ...
National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health

13 Apr 2023

New tool tracks individual immune cell development

Dandelion is a new tool that combines B and T cell receptor data with single cell genomics, allowing researchers to track ...

6 Apr 2023

Building a bioinformatics community to tackle genomic questions at scale

Over 60 bioinformaticians and developers from across the Sanger Institute and EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute came together to take part in this nf-core hackathon to more easily share and analyse genomes.
Alexandra Canet Font, Wellcome Sanger Institute

4 Apr 2023

Sanger spin-out Mosaic Therapeutics shows strength of Institute’s cancer research  

The company, Mosaic Therapeutics, spins out from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, translating the Institute’s cancer research expertise into a world-class ...

3 Apr 2023

African researchers training to develop large-scale genomics projects

As the science of genomics becomes ever more sophisticated, global capacity-sharing has never been more important.

Kenny Roberts, Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute

29 Mar 2023

Cell mapping and ‘mini placentas’ give new insights into human pregnancy 

Researchers have revealed what happens in the early stages of placental development, a process crucial for a successful pregnancy, hoping to ...

23 Mar 2023

Accidental Entrepreneur

In this third part of our innovator blog series, we spoke to Matt Hurles, Head of the Human Genetics programme and incoming Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Matt defines himself as an accidental entrepreneur, even though he spearheads a number of innovative initiatives that showcase his motivation to ultimately bring benefits to patients.

16 Mar 2023

Cholera and syphilis captured in BioArt

How historical artefacts can highlight the progression of science and medicine.
AdobeStock

13 Mar 2023

New research writes the rules on CRISPR activation  

Researchers have started to map out the rules on how to use CRISPR activation techniques in the most effective way, assisting ...

13 Mar 2023

Three mind-blowing examples of parasites that hijack their hosts’ brains and bodies

It’s not just fungal parasites that can control their hosts’ minds and behaviour. Wasps, worms and single-celled organisms can all affect their hosts’ brains to aid their own survival.

9 Mar 2023

Building Confidence and Careers: Research Institute Technician Symposium 2023

The Wellcome Sanger Institute proudly hosted this year’s Research Institute Technician Symposium. Find out about the day, and the winners of the 2023 Research Institute Technician Awards.
Petra Korlevic

8 Mar 2023

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion champions recognised at Best Practice Awards

The Wellcome Genome Campus holds its annual awards for Best Practice in supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in science, in celebration ...

2 Mar 2023

Driven by curiosity: Filling in the gaps of the protist puzzle

Dr Ore Francis is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. One of three inaugural Excellence Fellows, Ore is exploring the proteins that are at the root of all life on Earth, answering questions about adaptation and evolution along the way.

23 Feb 2023

LGBTQ+ History Month

February is LGBTQ+ History Month, an opportunity to learn from our past and keep standing in solidarity to make history for the LGBTQ+ community. We spoke to colleagues at the Wellcome Sanger Institute about their LGBTQ+ heroes of the past and present.

21 Feb 2023

New postdoc award scheme winners

Meet the first two winners of our new internal funding scheme to accelerate postdocs along their career trajectory
Adobe Stock

16 Feb 2023

Machine learning helps determine success of advanced genome editing

Study assesses thousands of DNA sequences introduced into the genome using prime editors
Annie Cavanagh CC BY-NC 4.0

14 Feb 2023

Blood cancer manipulates immune cells in order to survive  

Data could help to identify patients who would benefit from newer immune-based therapies
Onur Pinar, Wellcome Sanger Institute

13 Feb 2023

Professor Matt Hurles appointed Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Current Head of the Human Genetics Programme at the Institute will formally take up the Directorship later this year.

9 Feb 2023

A passion for problem solving

As part of our innovator blog series, we spoke to Qianxin Wu who works jointly in our Cellular Genetics programme and our Cellular and Gene Editing R&D team. Qianxin is at the forefront of innovation, working on CRISPR, genome editing and single-cell technologies.
Onur Pinar / Wellcome Sanger Institute

9 Feb 2023

Sarah Teichmann receives the FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award 2023

The Sanger Institute’s Head of Cellular Genetics, Dr Sarah Teichmann is recognised for outstanding achievements in single-cell genomics and immunology, ...

30 Jan 2023

Attending to tropical disease

The potential of genomics to improve our understanding of the fundamental biology of neglected tropical diseases.

30 Jan 2023

The forgotten disease

For World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, we spoke to Dr Tess Attenborough, who works on understanding the biology of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm that causes schistosomiasis.
Wellcome Sanger Institute

26 Jan 2023

‘Collateral damage’ from normal cell function may cause mutations that play a role in cancer

APOBEC1 enzyme likely responsible for two mutational signatures found in many cancers in small intestine

25 Jan 2023

Celebrating the contributions of women during the pandemic

How did the pandemic impact the role of women in science? And what will its legacy be? These were just some of the questions discussed at the Snapshots of Women in COG: Scientific excellence during the COVID-19 pandemic book launch event

20 Jan 2023

Meet Cristina Ariani - Malaria Parasite Surveillance Lead

Combining bold scientific leadership, deep operational expertise, and a knack for building community, Cristina Ariani is ready to take up her new role at the Sanger Institute and drive public health impact
M. Coelho, et al. (2023)

19 Jan 2023

Bowel cancer mutations that impact immunotherapy identified    

Researchers used CRISPR and mini tumours to discover more about how cancer develops and responds to the body’s immune response.
Emilie Abby

19 Jan 2023

Protective mutation impairs oesophagus tumour growth

Cells carrying mutations in the NOTCH1 gene take over the human oesophagus by middle age but inhibit oesophageal tumour growth in ...
Dan Ross/Wellcome Sanger Institute

10 Jan 2023

Human respiratory pathogens will be tracked in new initiative

Data generated will lead to better understanding of common pathogens, act as an early warning system for new viruses and support ...

10 Jan 2023

To influenza and beyond

The Sanger Institute’s new Respiratory Virus and Microbiome Initiative will lead the way in developing the genomic tools and methodology to study and track a range of viruses and understand how they interact with the respiratory microbiome and human hosts.

21 Dec 2022

From creation to celebration: Behind the scenes of the Science and Sport Fun day

Celebrating the 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay
Nathan Richoz

21 Dec 2022

Spatial lung cell atlas offers insights into disease and immune function

Researchers have genetically profiled nearly 200,000 cells from lungs, mapping their precise locations in tissue to discover an unexpected new ...
Adobestock

19 Dec 2022

Healthy newborns in the UK are not colonised by multi-drug-resistant hospital bacteria

Research shows that newborn babies’ gut bacteria do not contain multi-drug resistant hospital adapted strains when they leave the hospital.

14 Dec 2022

The Sanger Prize: Taking life in a different direction

Meet the next generation of genomic scientists who are benefiting from our founder's generosity

8 Dec 2022

Brazil, bats and GoaT

Find out about Genomes on a Tree (or GoaT) database, which will hold data for the hundreds of thousand of species that are currently having their genomes sequenced for the first time.
Peng He, Kyungtae Lim, Dawei Sun, et al

8 Dec 2022

Developmental Lung Cell Atlas uncovers 144 cell states 

Researchers have created a spatial cell atlas of the developing human lung, describing 144 cell types and their interactions in unparalleled ...

8 Dec 2022

Software to sort samples and sequence species at scale

Meet the software developers, informaticians and bioinformaticians who are helping to sequence the DNA of all life on earth.
National Trust Images / James Dobson

7 Dec 2022

New genomes to help protect Britain’s wild and ancient apples

European crab-apple and four heritage edible apple varieties sequenced as part of Darwin Tree of Life project
N. Gamonal, Didde Sørensen

6 Dec 2022

Following insect footprints to improve crop resilience and monitor pollinator biodiversity 

Pollinators leave behind DNA ‘footprints’ on crops, which can be used as a non-invasive way to inform crop management and support ...

30 Nov 2022

Springtails, fly testes and the secrets of strange reproduction

Dr Kamil Jaron is interested in strange reproduction (in a genomic sense). His work is exploring the changes in DNA variation and chromosome structure caused by the different ways species reproduce, to see how this drives evolution.
Omer Bayraktar & Kenny Roberts

23 Nov 2022

New hope for kidney cancer treatment using existing drugs

Molecular pathway involved in renal cell carcinoma has already been targetted to treat lung cancer

23 Nov 2022

The Power of Resilience: Attending the UK’s largest tech event for women

A group of women from Sanger’s Production Software Development team will head to London this month to join 4,500+ tech innovators, leaders and industry titans at this year’s Women of Silicon Roundabout conference.

18 Nov 2022

Asexuality in STEM: Definitions, misconceptions, and queer joy

What it means to be asexual, misconceptions and queer joy in the science communication space.

17 Nov 2022

An ancient foe and a modern arms race

How genomic surveillance is helping to spot, track and predict drug resistance in malaria parasites across the globe.
A. Lomakin EMBL-EBI/DKFZ

9 Nov 2022

Breast cancer spread uncovered by new molecular microscopy  

Researchers have created a tool that maps how breast cancer grows in previously unseen detail, and highlights how the cells around ...

9 Nov 2022

Sequencing anything, anytime, anywhere

We talk to Physilia Chua about her work to monitor biodiversity and make DNA sequencing more accessible.

3 Nov 2022

Understand, predict, engineer

Ben Lehner joins the Sanger Institute as a new Senior Group Leader. He seeks to lay the foundations for programmable biology.
Adobe Stock

2 Nov 2022

Sepsis and Covid-19 patients most at risk predicted with genetic model

Model paves the way for applying precision medicine techniques to diseases like sepsis that have proven difficult to diagnose and treat

31 Oct 2022

Representation matters

Sasha Henriques explores some of issues around race and representation in genomics and genomic counselling.
tomskipp.com (Left photo)

27 Oct 2022

Wellcome Sanger Institute announces three inaugural Excellence Fellows

The first three Sanger Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows have been announced and will join the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the coming months, ...
Andre van der Veen/Adobe Stock

25 Oct 2022

Resistance genes mapped for drugs to treat parasitic worms

Study pinpoints how drug resistance emerges and provides crucial data for tracking resistant variants in the field

19 Oct 2022

From genomes to medicines: an interview with Ian Dunham

Ian Dunham has been a pillar of Open Targets since its inception. Helena Cornu sat down with him to understand how his career led him from the Human Genome Project to Director of Open Targets, and what he envisions for the future of the consortium.‌
Wellcome Sanger Institute

17 Oct 2022

Sanger researcher elected to U.S. National Academy of Medicine

Dr Peter Campbell honoured for his pioneering work in cancer genomics and tumour evolution

11 Oct 2022

Celebrating women in STEM

It’s Ada Lovelace Day – an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

10 Oct 2022

Orcinus orca: How a tragic stranding helped us dive into the killer whale genome

New genome sequence will boost research into the evolution and population genetics of killer whales
Paul Turner

10 Oct 2022

Pockets of resistance found in survey of pathogen diversity

Hidden multi-drug resistant and virulent strains detected by population deep sequencing approach

7 Oct 2022

I Am A Biologist

This biology week celebrates the amazing worlds of bioscience. We asked some of our staff to tell us about their work, and why they love biology.

3 Oct 2022

Biodiversity genomics event returns

This free and open event brings together international researchers to share breakthroughs, challenges and advances in how we apply genomics to understanding, utilising and protecting life on Earth.

3 Oct 2022

You have to be in it, to win it - association with Horizon Europe

Science is not a zero sum game. We all win when we work together and the Horizon Europe programme is a fantastic opportunity that brings researchers across Europe to grow their skils and solve many of our most pressing issues. Falling out of this community will damage the UK’s science for many years to come, argues Sarion Bowers, Head of Policy at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
David Levene / Wellcome Sanger Institute

28 Sep 2022

Sanger joins Europe’s drive to reverse biodiversity loss through genomics research

Sanger Institute scientists join European experts to launch Biodiversity Genomics Europe, an unprecedented project that will tackle the biodiversity crisis using ...

26 Sep 2022

How do you sequence over 240,000 whole human genomes?

The world’s largest human genome sequencing project has been for UK Biobank – a large-scale biomedical database. Sanger staff have sequenced 243,633 human genomes in 3.5 years.

26 Sep 2022

Our UK Biobank Journey: 3 years and over 240,000 human genomes

In 2019, the Sanger Institute started on the most ambitious human genome sequencing project in the world. Three years later, the Institute has delivered nearly 250,000 whole human genome sequences and over 20 petabytes (PB) of data, for the UK Biobank project, to aid research into health and disease.

15 Sep 2022

Experiencing Sanger's science first hand

This year the Sanger Institute gave three Year 12 students the opportunity to directly contribute our cutting-edge science. Read about their experiences

7 Sep 2022

Butterflies, peacock spiders, and rapid speciation

Dr Joana Meier, new group leader in the Tree of Life programme, describes her research into how and why groups of animals evolve and diversify into new species over millennia.
AdobeStock

7 Sep 2022

Study develops new way of identifying cancer cells 

Open access software also provides crucial data on the microenvironment of tumours

5 Sep 2022

Sanger researchers share in grant to develop lupus treatments

Three international teams receive funding from Lupus Research Alliance to advance research targeting cognition, gut microbiome and ancestral genetics

1 Sep 2022

Genomics: A challenging field full of opportunity

Read our Associate Director's report from the recent Global Genetics Conference.
S. Schuller

29 Aug 2022

Study zeroes in on genes involved in Crohn’s disease

Role of mesenchymal cells in causing inflammation highlighted

16 Aug 2022

From genomes to vaccines: lessons from the pneumococcus

Decade-long surveillance of a deadly bacterial pathogen has shown how genomics can be used to design effective vaccines and combat antimicrobial resistance.

16 Aug 2022

Genomics empowers vaccine makers to tackle shapeshifting bacteria

Strain with increased virulence, multi-drug resistance and ability to evade vaccines identified as key threat
Wellcome Sanger Institute

11 Aug 2022

Origins of germ cell tumours unravelled giving possible opportunities for future treatment

Researchers have studied the root of germ cell tumours and revealed molecular signatures that could help guide the course of treatment ...
AdobeStock

10 Aug 2022

Immune cells acquire genomic scars in a lifetime defending against infection

Immune cells known as lymphocytes have been genetically sequenced in more detail than ever before to investigate how mutations in these ...

9 Aug 2022

Finishing genome puzzles

Explore the skilful art of interpreting genome sequence data - from the human genome project to all species.
Shilts et al.

3 Aug 2022

First map of immune system connections reveals new therapeutic opportunities

Sanger researchers have created the first full connectivity map of the human immune system, showing how immune cells communicate with each ...

3 Aug 2022

Unlocking surface proteins

A decades-long interest in cell surface proteins has led to discoveries as diverse as how malaria parasites invade human blood cells, a vaccine target for a neglected tropical disease, and finding the molecules that must interact to initiate new life.

27 Jul 2022

Genomics drives UK life science success, new report finds

Genomics companies outperform their life science peers at attracting both public and private investment according to a new report

18 Jul 2022

Catalysing collaboration: from the commercial sector to Sanger

Meet Julie Hipkiss, Associate Director of Enterprise Solutions at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
Pixabay

15 Jul 2022

Genetic changes that affect the risk of developing pre-leukaemia identified 

New genetic variants have been identified that increase the likelihood of developing clonal haematopoiesis, which is a risk factor for multiple ...

14 Jul 2022

Mutation pathway to bowel cancer discovered 

Inherited mutations in the MUTYH gene lead to a higher mutational burden in healthy intestinal cells, causing pre-cancerous growths and a ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

14 Jul 2022

World's largest database for predicting cancer treatment response based on cancer proteins

Data analysed using deep learning technique to predict the response of cancer cells to treatment
Wellcome Sanger Institute

12 Jul 2022

New hub to help make global genomic surveillance of disease a reality

Unit’s mission will be to accelerate the generation of genomic data on a large scale

12 Jul 2022

Searching for the roots of childhood cancer

Meet Thomas Oliver, trainee pathologist and PhD student, working on the origins of childhood cancers.
AdobeStock

11 Jul 2022

First genetic map of one of humans oldest parasites

Modern day and ancient samples of the parasitic worm that causes the neglected tropical disease, Trichuriasis, have been analysed to create ...
Cecilia Icoresi Mazzeo, Wellcome Sanger Institute

6 Jul 2022

Cell map of human gonads identifies the cells involved in sex determination

Data will empower further study into differences of sex development, infertility and reproductive diseases

6 Jul 2022

Three Sanger Institute researchers honoured by EMBO

The scientists are being recognised for their contributions to immunology, single-cell genomics, malaria research, artificial intelligence and promoting dialogues between scientists, ...

30 Jun 2022

Breath of fresh air

Dr Josie Bryant is a new group leader at the Sanger Institute. She is interested in how microbes in the human lung evolve and adapt over time and how this affects health and disease. We spoke to Josie about the inspirations behind her science, returning to Sanger, and what excites her about establishing a new research group.

29 Jun 2022

LGBTQ+ scientists who shaped history

Science thrives on diversity. Diversity of opinions, upbringing, experiences, and lifestyles, brings about innovation. It is imperative that everyone feels safe and comfortable to be their true selves at work, as that is how the best work is achieved.

20 Jun 2022

Smashing stereotypes in science

Two new projects, Science for Everyone and Adopt a Scientist, aim to challenge unconscious bias around science and science careers.

Adobe Stock

15 Jun 2022

Badger genome to enable study of disease, climate change and social interaction

The genome will help understand how harsh conditions in early life affect success, and other research questions
AdobeStock

1 Jun 2022

Cellular secrets of ageing unlocked by researchers

Researchers have discovered how genetic mutations accumulated slowly over a lifetime lead to dramatic changes in how blood is formed after ...
Karen Arnott EMBL-EBI

1 Jun 2022

Impact of DNA mutations on lifelong blood cell production uncovered 

Researchers discover how leukaemia-associated gene mutations steadily commandeer blood cell production over a lifetime, and how these changes relate to ageing ...

31 May 2022

COVID-19: update on SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing at the Sanger Institute

Current status of coronavirus genome sequencing at the Sanger Institute

31 May 2022

Completing the puzzle of life on earth

Behind the scenes of Sanger's Tree of Life programme
Alex Ritter, Jennifer Lippincott Schwartz and Gillian Griffiths, National Institutes of Health

26 May 2022

Study tracking T-cell activation over time boosts search for immune disease treatments

Cells tracked through four points in time to map activation at molecular level

17 May 2022

Six unbelievable things you probably didn’t know about DNA

Explore the surprising secrets of DNA, genes and genomes.

13 May 2022

Three Sanger scientists recieve prestigious fellowships for their work

Congratulations to Professor Nicholas Thomson and Dr John Marioni who have been recognised by the Academy of Medical Sciences, and Professor ...
Chenqu Suo, Sophie Pritchard, Nadav Yayon for the Wellcome Sanger Institute

12 May 2022

Immune cell characteristics mapped across multiple tissues, from early life to adulthood   

Two new papers from the Human Cell Atlas shed new light on the types and traits of immune cells that can ...
Cambridge Independent / Keith Heppell

12 May 2022

Wellcome Genome Campus staff commended at Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards

The winners were drawn from all aspects of the Campus' world-leading work with genomes: from academic research to commercial application, and ...
Wellcome Genome Campus

11 May 2022

Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay to visit Wellcome Genome Campus as full England route revealed

Baton will visit Wellcome Genome Campus in South Cambridgeshire on 9 July 2022 ahead of the Commonwealth Games
AdobeStock

11 May 2022

Increased mutations in children can be traced back to mistakes in father’s sperm     

Researchers have traced the cause of increased numbers of mutations in children to a higher rate of random mutations in sperm ...

4 May 2022

Supporting translational research at the Sanger Institute 

Six innovative projects have been selected by the Translation Committee for their potential of delivering novel approaches for the advancement of ...

27 Apr 2022

You can change the world

In conversation with Julia Gillard, who has recently joined Wellcome as Chair of the Board. Wellcome aim to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone.

25 Apr 2022

From genome data to malaria control

How MalariaGEN's latest genetic data resources are helping in the fight to eliminate malaria.

22 Apr 2022

Contamination control and walking with dinosaurs

Meet Laura Grout, a Quality Assurance Manager playing a vital role in genomic surveillance and UK Biobank projects at the Sanger Institute.

Wellcome Sanger Institute:Genome Research Ltd

14 Apr 2022

New bacteria in mice associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Bacteria that cause weight loss and intestinal inflammation discovered in mice should be considered in the interpretation and design of future ...
Alex Cagan, Wellcome Sanger Institute

13 Apr 2022

Mutations across animal kingdom shed new light on ageing

Quantity of mutations acquired similar over lifetime of 16 species, despite vast differences in lifespan and body mass
David Levine / Wellcome Sanger Institute

7 Apr 2022

Take on a coding challenge to build the Tree of Life

Sanger’s Tree of Life programme is taking part in Google Summer of Code, a global online initiative focused on bringing ...
Adobe Stock

6 Apr 2022

Genes linked to disease affect function of rare immune cell type

Study set out to identify how genetic variants modulate function of regulatory T cells
M. Duque-Correa, D. Goulding, F. Rodgers, et al. (2022)

1 Apr 2022

Mini guts used to study early stages of whipworm infection

Researchers have developed a new organoid model of the mouse gut to understand how the gut lining responds to whipworm infection ...
Ernesto del Aguila III, NHGRI

1 Apr 2022

Researchers generate the first complete, gapless sequence of a human genome

Complete genome sequence will significantly add to knowledge of chromosomes, including more accurate maps for five chromosome arms
Adobe Stock

1 Apr 2022

Study sheds light on why immunodeficiency affects only one identical twin

Cell-cell communication and epigenetic problems found to interfere with immune function

31 Mar 2022

Setting the bar higher – the complete human genome sequence

The newly determined sequence covers previously inaccessible regions of chromosomes, bringing a new era for genomics.

28 Mar 2022

Barcoding creatures and building confidence

Meet Leia Zhao, a research assistant working in the Evolutionary Genomics group in the Tree of Life Programme.
AdobeStock

28 Mar 2022

New analysis sheds light on how to uncover causal variants for immune-mediated diseases

Mapping regulatory trait loci can help uncover which genetic variants are most likely to be the cause of immune-mediated diseases.
AdobeStock

23 Mar 2022

Evolutionary pressures on genes associated with childlessness

Genetic variants that damage the genome have a small association with increased childlessness, but free choice and other factors are more ...

18 Mar 2022

LiFTS: Li Fraumeni over Time Study – tracking changes in LFS

March 20th is Li Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) Awareness Day. People will be on social media, wearing blue, #WearBlueForLFS, to raise awareness of this little-known cancer syndrome
AdobeStock

14 Mar 2022

New hope for treatment of infant cancer that has puzzled researchers for decades

Subtle differences detected in immune cell type from which infant leukaemia arises

8 Mar 2022

Making your voice heard

Evolutionary genomics, creepy crawlies and being a woman in science

8 Mar 2022

Women rising in STEM

Reflections on working on genomic surveillance in the pandemic, and being a woman in science.
Petra Korlevic, Wellcome Sanger Institute

8 Mar 2022

Work to promote race equity in science celebrated at Best Practice Awards

The Wellcome Genome Campus holds its annual awards for Best Practice for Supporting Equality and Diversity in Science, in celebration of ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

4 Mar 2022

Statement on the war in Ukraine

Communication from the Wellcome Sanger Institute

1 Mar 2022

Sequencing COVID variants: latest stats

Latest numbers for coronavirus genome sequencing at the Sanger Institute

28 Feb 2022

The power of sharing

Three opportunities and challenges in rare disease research
Adobe Stock

24 Feb 2022

Genomic study shows that England’s travel quarantine measures were effective – up to a point

More than half of imported cases during period studied came from just three countries
AdobeStock

23 Feb 2022

Calls to share genetic data fairly and promote conservation

Scientists from 17 countries have published their thoughts on ongoing UN policy discussions around the sharing of digital sequence information to ...
AdobeStock

23 Feb 2022

New drug combinations found for resistant cancers

Sanger researchers have created the world’s largest novel resource using systematic drug testing and genetics analyses to show new potential ...

16 Feb 2022

The diversity of plants

We spoke to some of the team planning to sequence the DNA of every plant species in Britain and Ireland about the diversity of plant genomes and the importance of plant science in the face of global challenges.

11 Feb 2022

International Day of Women & Girls in Science 2022

To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated annually on 11 February, we asked some of our female staff to tell us about their work, and what being a woman in science means to them.

11 Feb 2022

Women rising in STEM

To celebrate International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we sat down with Sanger Associate Director, Dr Julia Wilson to talk about her career so far and being a woman in science.

3 Feb 2022

Engaging everyone with science

Researchers discuss an innovative new training course designed to help them engage the public with science, with a focus on equity and diversity.

AdobeStock

3 Feb 2022

Motivations to take part in research vary around the world   

Being able to receive results is a key motivator that influences participation in research, according to public audiences from the USA, ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

1 Feb 2022

Professor Sir Mike Stratton to step down from Institute Directorship  

The new Director will be appointed over the coming year, and Sir Mike will remain at the Institute to continue conducting ...

27 Jan 2022

Exploring race, diversity and genomics

A new PhD project will explore structural inequalities in genomic research
AdobeStock

19 Jan 2022

Adult blood cancer-causing mutations occur in early childhood  

Mutations that cause adult blood cancer have been traced to acquisition in childhood, suggesting that cancer causing events can arise in ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

17 Jan 2022

British and Irish project at forefront of global effort to map genomes of all life on Earth

Activity on Earth BioGenome Project and affiliated initiatives due to ramp up considerably in 2022
Omer Bayraktar

13 Jan 2022

Unprecedented cellular maps of tissues enabled by new tool

Ability to combine cell function and spatial information key to understanding life at molecular level
Michael Sweet, University of Derby

10 Jan 2022

New centre to explore links between organisms and their microbiomes

The £10m Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont aims to create a green revolution in agriculture, rescue threatened species, and restore habitats
AdobeStock

5 Jan 2022

Superbug MRSA arose in hedgehogs before use of antibiotics

Scientists have found evidence that the antibiotic resistant superbug MRSA arose in nature long before the use of antibiotics, which has ...
Adobe Stock

22 Dec 2021

Rapid immune response in children protects them from COVID-19, genetic study finds

Discovery of importance of interferon response in preventing serious infection will underpin new diagnostics and therapeutics

21 Dec 2021

21 things we’ve learned in 2021

We would like to bring you 21 things that we have learned in the year 2021

20 Dec 2021

Sanger researcher invited to deliver 2022 Balfour Lecture 

The award marks Dr Sam Behjati’s contributions to genetics research, as an outstanding young investigator

20 Dec 2021

The Story of Dogs

Dogs, descended from wolves, were the first animals to be domesticated by humans, some 40,000 years ago. New research, using modern DNA sequencing, is unravelling the evolutionary history of our canine companions.

16 Dec 2021

Darwin Tree of Life in 2021: Tireless fieldwork and the first beautiful genomes

Teams have been collecting species across the UK - from the mountains of Scotland, to the sea caves of Wales, and the forests of Oxfordshire. Back in the labs we’ve been processing protists, extracting DNA, and assembling and publishing the first of our high-quality, reference genomes.
AdobeStock

10 Dec 2021

Genetic history of British Pakistanis mapped for the first time

Analysis of genomic data from the Born in Bradford study will help to ensure those of Pakistani ancestry benefit from advances ...
Wellcome Connecting Science

9 Dec 2021

New centre to foster global conversations about ethical issues raised by science

The University of Cambridge and Wellcome Connecting Science announce the launch of the Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public, ...
AdobeStock

9 Dec 2021

New link between malaria parasites and sickle haemoglobin identified 

Some malaria parasites in sub-Saharan Africa have genetic variants that allow them to infect those with sickle haemoglobin, which is normally ...
AdobeStock

8 Dec 2021

Launch of Fellowship programme to support next generation of Black scientists

The three-year Fellowship is open exclusively to early-stage Black heritage researchers who studied at a UK institution and offers a fully ...

8 Dec 2021

Research Excellence: The Power of Diversity

The Sanger Institute recently hosted three speakers as part of a new series - Research Excellence: The Power of Diversity. Read a short summary of the talks and view a Q&A with the speakers.
Rawlinson et al.

2 Dec 2021

Human parasite’s daily rhythms could be targeted for better treatments

The parasitic worm that causes the neglected tropical disease, schistosomiasis, has daily rhythms in gene expression, including genes that could be ...

2 Dec 2021

Mapping the endometrium, cell by cell

Dr Roser Vento-Tormo tells us about her work to map the cells lining the uterus in space and time, how it epitomises her love of collaboration in science

2 Dec 2021

Spinning out the science

Much of our research has the potential to positively impact people's lives around the world. And who better to deliver this than the scientists themselves?
Kenny Roberts, Wellcome Sanger Institute

2 Dec 2021

Uterus study is important step towards understanding diseases that affect one third of women

The study's organoid-based techniques provide a sophisticated model of endometrial function and will form a blueprint for discovering how other ...
Adobe Stock

26 Nov 2021

Syphilis is back and it is global, genetic study suggests

Disease incidence has risen sharply in recent decades
AdobeStock

23 Nov 2021

IBS biomarker identified that could help personalise diet and treatment

Half of people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have a distinct microbiome compared to healthy people, and they respond better to a ...

22 Nov 2021

A Space for Science

"The most incredible things in research are the incidental findings, the serendipitous connections, moments when you are looking for one thing but you find another.”

Wellcome Sanger Institute

19 Nov 2021

Sanger celebrates Highly Cited Researchers

A number of researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute have been named on Clarivate's Highly Cited list
Project JAGUAR

17 Nov 2021

Researchers will map immune cells across Latin America with support from CZI

Researchers will sequence immune cell diversity across Latin America for the first time, shedding light on how ancestry impacts the immune ...

17 Nov 2021

Whole Genome Sequencing data on 200,000 UK Biobank participants are made widely available for research through unique public-private partnership

First release from world’s largest whole genome sequencing project could help researchers to understand the genetic determinants of disease and ...

15 Nov 2021

Covid Connections - Big Data in a Pandemic World

Researchers discuss COVID-19 genome data and its complexities, data sharing and security, and their careers in data science
AdobeStock

9 Nov 2021

New database of 660,000 assembled bacterial genomes sheds light on the evolution of bacteria  

A vast, curated collection of bacterial genomes has been created that allows the community unprecedented access to data.

3 Nov 2021

A Cellular Landscape

The connections between the external and internal environments are explored in a new experimental short film ‘Call of the Silent Cell’. The film created was by artists working with scientists in the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) – a global project to map the 37 trillion cells in our bodies, and forms part of a new, online exhibition.
Gemma Girdler, University of Cambridge

3 Nov 2021

Sanger researchers to tackle deadly brain cancer with ‘tissue time machine’

Sanger Institute scientists are starting a new project that will integrate information from spatial transcriptomics with single-cell RNA and DNA sequencing, ...

2 Nov 2021

Sanger employee recognised in BioBeat’s top 30 trendsetters in UK life sciences  

Burcu Bronner-Anar is celebrated in BioBeat’s ‘Movers and Shakers in BioBusiness report’ that lists 30 UK trendsetters who are tackling ...

29 Oct 2021

Art and science unite to explore the intricacies of the human body 

The exhibition, One Cell At A Time opens on the 29th October 2021. It combines art and science to explore the ...
Saltanat ebli, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons CC0 1.0

25 Oct 2021

Huge global variation in oesophageal cancer incidence not due to a unique pattern of DNA damage 

Major global research collaboration adds new piece to the complex puzzle of oesophageal cancer

25 Oct 2021

Hunting for the unknown causes of cancer

Patient advocates share their involvement in the mutographs research project, their experiences of cancer, and their journey around the globe.

22 Oct 2021

A Health Data Research UK Black Internship Programme experience

This Black History Month, we asked Ifeanyi Chukwu to reflect on his recent experiences as an intern within HDR UK’s Black Internship Programme at the University of Cambridge, and what it was like working with one of the world’s biggest health data sets.

18 Oct 2021

Marine medicines from the slimiest of worms

“They’re not cute or charismatic. They have toxic mucus. But I like nemerteans because no one is rooting for them – and we know so little about them.”

H.S.Vöhringer, et al.

14 Oct 2021

The inside story of England COVID pandemic described in new study

The most detailed analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomics surveillance to date shows COVID-19 as a series of overlapping epidemics rather than a ...
Dr Bartomeu Colom, Wellcome Sanger Institute

13 Oct 2021

Mutated cells drive out early tumours from the oesophagus

Normal human oesophagus carries a high number of mutations, but tumours are rare, due to mutant cells eliminating early tumours
AdobeStock

13 Oct 2021

Mutations in liver cells linked to liver disease and fat metabolism  

Mutations linking liver disease with obesity and diabetes have been identified, leading to new understanding about how systemic diseases interact

11 Oct 2021

Talent in Diversity

Over this year's Black History Month, we are celebrating the diversity of talent here at the Sanger Institute. For this profile, we spoke to Alice Matimba, Global Training Manager at Wellcome Connecting Science.

7 Oct 2021

We are molecular mosaics

Quantifying the mutational landscape of the human body

1 Oct 2021

Talent in Diversity

Over this year’s Black History Month, we are celebrating the diversity of talent here at the Sanger Institute. Here, three of our scientists reflect on their paths into research and why diversity in science is so important.
Wellcome Sanger Institute

30 Sep 2021

Higher rates of mutation alone are not to blame for age related disease  

Researchers have found that cells tolerate many more mutations than previously thought, without impacting their function
Novopath, Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Trust

29 Sep 2021

Cell atlas reveals how blood and immune systems form in developing bone marrow

Study fills large knowledge gap and has important implications for diagnosis and treatment of immune deficiencies and leukaemia

28 Sep 2021

Genomics for all

In this guest post, Sadye Paez and Marcela Uliano-Silva explore what it takes to sequence the genomes of all life on Earth with the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

23 Sep 2021

Eimeria: the chicken parasite costing farmers billions

By sequencing the genome of this single-celled coccidian parasite, scientists hope to develop better vaccines to protect poultry from a disease that causes severe diarrhoea and death.

20 Sep 2021

Celebrating Sanger Postdocs

This week (20th-24th September) is Postdoc Appreciation Week - a time to celebrate the fantastic contribution postdoctoral scientists make.

Mohammad Rahmatullah

14 Sep 2021

Evidence-based national policies are essential to curb local COVID-19 infections

By using genomic surveillance and mobile phone data, researchers have uncovered useful insights into the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

10 Sep 2021

Wellcome Sanger Institute recognised as Charity Times finalist for outstanding contribution to pandemic response

Staff praised for dedication and excellence as they work to sequence coronavirus genomes, helping to shape the pandemic response
Elmentaite et al. Nature DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03852-1

8 Sep 2021

Development study reveals origins of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Creating Cell Atlas of Human Development will transform understanding of health and disease
Anne Weston, Francis Crick Institute

1 Sep 2021

International research consortium to tackle tumour drug resistance using single-cell sequencing

Sanger Institute scientists join a new collaborative research project that will use single-cell sequencing to tackle drug resistance and develop smarter ...

31 Aug 2021

Sanger scientists receive Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grants to study childhood diseases

Projects will create cell atlases of the paediatric ovary, skin and brain to better understand human biology and provide reference datasets ...
AdobeStock

27 Aug 2021

Loss of gene linked to differences in brain size  

Inactivation of the MAGEE2 gene, seen widely across East Asia, results in enlarged brains in men and decreased brain size in ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

25 Aug 2021

Researchers discover individual variation in how our bodies develop and acquire mutations 

Studies will help to establish baseline for human development and acquisition of mutations during life in the soma and the germline

23 Aug 2021

Defining Success

Five inspirational speakers share their journeys, definitions of success, and lessons learnt in the space of diversity and inclusion.
AdobeStock

23 Aug 2021

Link between amino acid and a range of common diseases could help predict personal risk

Researchers have identified a link between mitochondrial DNA variants, amino acid fMet, and a range of common, late-onset diseases
AdobeStock

10 Aug 2021

Fighting the spread of drug-resistant malaria with genetic surveillance  

In-depth genomic surveillance of the malaria parasite over multiple countries has tracked regions of drug resistance

9 Aug 2021

From Mild to Mortal

An expert panel discuss some of the latest research into human genetics, immunology and COVID-19.
AdobeStock

5 Aug 2021

Researchers track how microbiome bacteria adapt to humans via transmission

New research has shed light on how transmission of gut bacteria influences its evolution and functions
Adobe Stock

4 Aug 2021

Genetic study reveals ancient human adaptation to agriculture and climate change in Middle East

The most comprehensive study so far of genetic diversity in the Middle East has given a glimpse into the lives of ...
AdobeStock

4 Aug 2021

New therapeutic target discovered for a number of aggressive cancers

An RNA-modifying protein elevated in some aggressive cancers has been shown to be a promising target for new drug development

4 Aug 2021

The evolutionary history of humans

Mohamed Almarri has recently completed a PhD studying population history and global genetic diversity.

2 Aug 2021

OKRs: Strategic planning the Google way

We’re refreshing the way we do strategic planning, using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

21 Jul 2021

A forgotten disease

How genomics is helping to understand melioidosis - a neglected, often fatal, bacterial disease.

16 Jul 2021

Reflections on race and equity in research: One year on…

One year on from the murder of George Floyd, we take a step back to reflect on our reactions and actions to that event and its ongoing repercussions.

29 Jun 2021

Covid Connections – Variant or Villain

The second COVID connections talk brought together experts from COG-UK to discuss SARS-CoV-2 variants.

28 Jun 2021

Bacterial Biomes

"we are well aware that what we know about already is just a small percentage of the diversity that actually exists on Earth."
AdobeStock

24 Jun 2021

Water vole genome will help boost conservation of one of UK's most endangered mammals

The water vole genome is published as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project to assemble the genomes of 70, ...
Kenny Roberts, Bayraktar Lab

23 Jun 2021

Cellular signatures of kidney tumours discovered

This method of identification holds promise as a tool for diagnosing patients with rare cancers

18 Jun 2021

Getting to the heart of the matter

Exploring the genomics of inherited cardiomyopathies.
Mole, M.A. et al

17 Jun 2021

Study identifies trigger for ‘head-to-tail’ axis development in human embryo   

Researchers have mapped, in new detail, the genetic changes that a human embryo goes through as it develops.
AdobeStock

14 Jun 2021

Computer method to help predict outcomes and tailor treatments for patients with inherited heart diseases  

Clinicians and scientists analysed how individual genetic changes affect the heart muscle and created a new computer tool to integrate genomic ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

8 Jun 2021

Sanger Institute human genetics researcher honoured by EMBO

Professor Matthew Hurles, Head of Human Genetics, becomes an elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization
Human Cell Atlas

8 Jun 2021

Winning Cambridgeshire students design card game inspired by the Human Cell Atlas

Game will be developed and feature in nationwide exhibition
Pixabay

3 Jun 2021

New genetic variants lead to diagnoses for children with developmental disorders

By analysing parts of the genome that do not code for proteins, researchers have identified seven variants linked to developmental disorders.
Adobe Stock

28 May 2021

Genetic study identifies risk for some childhood cancer patients developing secondary leukaemia and will help inform treatment plan

New study used whole genome sequencing to gain further understanding of why some children develop secondary leukaemia after neuroblastoma treatment
AdobeStock

27 May 2021

Atlas of malaria parasite gene activity provides new targets for drugs and vaccines

Researchers have mapped in fine detail the genetic changes malaria parasites go through as they prepare to infect people.

27 May 2021

Genomics in a pandemic - Shedding light on the invisible

Experts from the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium discuss sequencing SARS-CoV-2, variants, and viral fitness landscapes.
Jolanda van Leeuwen

27 May 2021

‘Rescue mutations’ that suppress harmful DNA changes could shed light on origins of genetic disorders

The biological phenomenon may play an important role in genetic diseases such as cancer or rare developmental disorders, and explain why ...
Harriet Auty, University of Glasgow

26 May 2021

Discovery of vaccine target for devastating livestock disease could change lives of millions in sub-Saharan Africa

The findings raise the possibility of identifying vaccine targets for trypanosome species that cause the deadly human infections sleeping sickness and ...

18 May 2021

Car manufacturing, cellular biology and COVID

Rachel Nelson, head of the Cellular Generation and Phenotyping (CGaP) facility, reflects on managing science at scale, including the lessons from industries as far apart as car manufacturing and Silicon Valley.
K Hardy CC BY 4.0

18 May 2021

Unparallelled insights into how our bodies develop from a single cell

Knowing what happens during normal development could help us to understand genetic diseases that arise during pregnancy

13 May 2021

Maturation Block - Redefining Childhood Cancers

Using the latest genome sequencing techniques, Dr Sam Behjati is revealing the journey that cells take on their way to becoming cancerous, and how we might stop them.

11 May 2021

Identifying the rise of multi-drug resistant E. coli

Largest genomic study of E. coli has tracked the rise of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in Norway.

10 May 2021

Dyslexia and neurodiversity in the workplace

Staff share their experiences of dyslexia and how it has affected their careers in science.

4 May 2021

Diversity and Inclusion in Science

The Equality in Science group and the Race Equity Network at the Wellcome Genome Campus welcomed inspirational speakers last year. Read their reflections on racism, diversity and inclusion in science.

30 Apr 2021

Championing Team Science

Professor Muzlifah Haniffa shares her thoughts achieving large-scale science.
AdobeStock

30 Apr 2021

New genetic target for blood cancer treatment 

Researchers have identified a vulnerability in some cases of acute myeloid leukaemia that could be harnessed for targeted treatment of these ...
AdobeStock

29 Apr 2021

New era of quality and scale in genome sequencing will drive biological discovery

Publication of 16 high-quality vertebrate reference genomes establishes standards for biodiversity genomics
Ludovic Collin / Wellcome Images

28 Apr 2021

Major advance enables study of genetic mutations in any tissue

Analysis of blood, colon, brain and muscle tissue indicates cell division is not the primary cause of somatic mutations

27 Apr 2021

From investment banking to genomics and health

Meet Olivier Seret, Principal Software Developer working in the Infection Genomics team.

26 Apr 2021

Novel drug type for blood cancer entering clinical trials 

First drug to target a specific RNA-modifying protein will start clinical trials in 2022 against acute myeloid leukaemia

22 Apr 2021

Taking lockdown baking to a whole new level

New exhibition explores the science of cancer and ageing, through the medium of food and cooking.
Dr. Kelvin (Zewen) Tuong

20 Apr 2021

Differing immune responses discovered in asymptomatic cases versus those with severe COVID-19

Using data from the Human Cell Atlas, researchers have identified the differences in immune cells’ response in those who had no ...
AdobeStock

16 Apr 2021

Genetic variants identified that impact immune cells' functioning 

Researchers have combined genome-wide sequencing and functional profiling of immune cells to understand more about the impact of genetic variants on ...

12 Apr 2021

New genetic drug target for treatment resistant colorectal cancer 

Researchers have identified a new potential drug target for treating some types of advanced colorectal cancers.
Annie Cavanagh

7 Apr 2021

‘Patchwork’ tumours prevalent across multiple cancer types

Scientists have confirmed that tumour evolution is driven by changes that benefit the cancer, and these lead to a wide range ...

31 Mar 2021

New DERMATLAS project will create world's most comprehensive public resource of rare skin tumour genomes 

This project will document the genomes of around 70 rare skin tumours to build a map of how these cancers form ...

30 Mar 2021

Genetic link to male infertility identified

Men who carry a certain subtype of Y chromosome are more likely to experience genetic mutations that lead to low sperm ...

29 Mar 2021

Fighting Pathogens with Data and Partnerships

"Data analysis in genomics means that you can work in something that is meaningful."
Paola Perez, PhD, Warner Lab

25 Mar 2021

Salivary gland cells revealed as sites of COVID-19 infection

Human Cell Atlas findings point to role for saliva in SARS-CoV-2 transmission

24 Mar 2021

New addition to COSMIC database will collate available drugs to target cancer mutations

The Actionability resource identifies relationships between types of cancer, specific mutations and available drugs
Anne Weston, Francis Crick Institute

23 Mar 2021

CRISPR study identifies gene that plays key role in metastasis of cancers to the lungs

Over-expression of LRRN4CL was linked to cancer spread in colon, breast and bladder cancers in humans
AdobeStock

18 Mar 2021

Project to understand beginnings of rare childhood cancer awarded innovation funding

Sam Behjati and collaborators at University College London hope to identify new treatment targets by uncovering foetal origins of rhabdomysarcoma.
CDC / Alissa Ecker, MS / Dan_Higgins, MAMS

17 Mar 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infects cells via specific viral entry factors that are more abundant in elderly, men and smokers

These findings offer a molecular explanation for the reported differences in disease severity for COVID-19 patients depending on age, gender and ...

16 Mar 2021

From Scorpions to Skin Cancer

Dr Daniela Robles-Espinoza recently joined the Sanger Institute as an International Fellow. She works on acral melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer affecting people in Latin America

11 Mar 2021

Genomic surveillance – the world’s binoculars focused on infectious diseases

Monitoring the microorganisms that cause COVID-19, malaria, cholera and a whole range of other diseases enables researchers to track outbreaks, spot emerging drug resistance and plan interventions.
Adobe Stock

10 Mar 2021

Placenta is a dumping ground for genetic defects 

The study is the first high-resolution survey of the genomic architecture of the human placenta, revealing specific patterns of mutation that ...
CDC/Janice Haney-Carr

9 Mar 2021

Full evolutionary journey of hospital superbug mapped for the first time 

Sanger Institute researchers and their collaborators have published the full genetic timeline of the bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis showing the influence of ...

8 Mar 2021

Students invited to create a card game inspired by the Human Cell Atlas

How to build a Human: Design a card game challenge
Alex Cagan

8 Mar 2021

Virtual event celebrates Equality and Diversity Champions from the Wellcome Genome Campus

Winners of the Best Practice Awards are announced for International Women’s Day

5 Mar 2021

Reverse mentoring: Promoting diversity and positive culture change

Alice Matimba and Martin Dougherty reflect on their experiences of reverse mentoring, and how it can play a key role in promoting positive organisational and research culture.
Sabine van Erp, Pixabay.com

3 Mar 2021

Genomics study identifies routes of transmission of coronavirus in care homes

Genome sequencing was combined with detailed epidemiological information to examine the impact of COVID-19 on care homes and to discover how ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

3 Mar 2021

New search engine for single cell atlases

New software tool allows researchers to rapidly search datasets from single-cell sequencing
L. Custers & J. Drost

3 Mar 2021

Origin of childhood cancer malignant rhabdoid tumour discovered

Researchers identified two drugs that could be used to overcome the genetic root of the disease, resuming normal development and bringing ...

3 Mar 2021

Sanger Institute researcher wins Pezcoller Foundation EACR Rising Star Award

Congratulations to Dr Sam Behjati, who receives the Award in recognition of his potential to make significant contributions to cancer research
Roberto Amato, Wellcome Sanger Institute

24 Feb 2021

Open data on malaria genomes will help combat drug resistance

The release represents the world’s largest resource of genomic data on malaria parasite evolution and drug resistance
AdobeStock

23 Feb 2021

Gene that helps control egg’s journey sheds light on why ectopic pregnancy may occur

Study details the first evidence of gene regulation in the transit of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus in mammals
Dr Fotios Sampaziotis, Dr Teresa Brevini, University of Cambridge

18 Feb 2021

Lab-grown ‘mini-bile ducts’ used to repair human livers in regenerative medicine first

For the first time, this new study has successfully created ‘mini-organs’ in the lab, that could help patients with liver damage
AdobeStock

18 Feb 2021

Scientists identify over 140,000 virus species in the human gut, half of which are new to science

The results form the basis of the highly-curated Gut Phage Database (GPD) which will be an invaluable resource for those studying ...
Prasesh Shiwakoti Lomash, Unsplash.com

12 Feb 2021

New COVID-19 saliva testing strategy could translate into easy-to-use home device

The new testing approach would be easier to collect and simpler to process in the laboratory than the current nasal-swab process.

11 Feb 2021

International Day of Women & Girls in Science 2021

Just 30 per cent of researchers worldwide, only 35 per cent of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study are women, and data suggests that the impacts of COVID-19 are disproportionately affecting female researchers more than their male counterparts.
Adobe Stock

5 Feb 2021

New drug targets for childhood cancer neuroblastoma identified

All neuroblastomas arise from developmental cells not normally found in children, making them a promising target for drug development

5 Feb 2021

Sequencing COVID: our latest stats

As the sequencing hub of COG-UK, the Sanger Institute is sequencing the genomes of coronavirus samples from across the country. Get our latest numbers.
Wellcome Leap

28 Jan 2021

Sanger Institute joins Wellcome Leap Global Network dedicated to accelerated breakthroughs in human health

Charter group of 21 world-class institutions representing a network of over 150,000 researchers across six continents sign agreement that sets ...
Newcastle University

21 Jan 2021

Developmental origins of eczema and psoriasis discovered

Skin Cell Atlas points to new drug targets for inflammatory diseases

11 Jan 2021

Snail hotels, 3D printed robots and custom clips

Engineering solutions to genomic research

21 Dec 2020

20 Things We Learned in 2020

This has been a year that none of us will forget in a hurry. The Institute is immensely proud of the way our staff have pulled together, and the work we have managed to achieve
Jayhun Lee, Postdoctoral Fellow, Newmark Lab, Morgridge Institute for Research

18 Dec 2020

Cell atlas of tropical disease parasite may hold key to new treatments

The atlas of 13 distinct cell types at the start of the Schistosoma mansoni's development will aid vaccine and treatment ...

18 Dec 2020

Darwin Tree of Life: Looking back on 2020

Despite restrictions, 2020 has been a busy year for the Darwin Tree of Life Project. We take a look at some of this year’s achievements and highlights.
boredomresearch

15 Dec 2020

Ten artists to create artworks for global research project mapping the human body

Human Cell Atlas explored through art science collaboration
Kenny Roberts and Sophie Pritchard, Wellcome Sanger Institute

7 Dec 2020

Gut research identifies key cellular changes associated with childhood-onset Crohn’s Disease

Gut Cell Atlas reveals gut development mechanisms

1 Dec 2020

Dr Sam Behjati selected as an EMBO Young Investigator

Congratulations to Sanger Institute cancer researcher, Dr Sam Behjati, who has been recognised for his work on the developmental origins of ...
Dan Ross

19 Nov 2020

COG-UK computing effort wins collaboration award for COVID-19 work

HPCwire award recognises consortium's sequencing of tens of thousands of viral genomes
CDC, Alissa Ecker/MS and Dan Higgins/MAMS

16 Nov 2020

Wellcome Sanger Institute and COG-UK receive £12.2M UK Government investment for COVID-19 real-time genomic surveillance system

Institute researchers will support the COVID-19 Genomics UK consortium's work by providing high-throughput virus genome sequencing, creating surveillance software to ...
Wellcome Sanger Institute

11 Nov 2020

Sanger Faculty to co-lead new Italian Genomics Research Centre

Nicole Soranzo will join the Human Technopole Institute to establish its dual programmes of Population and Medical Genomics and Functional Genomics ...

10 Nov 2020

Stand up science

Join us for an evening of science comedy

Adobe Stock

4 Nov 2020

Uncovering the origin of rare childhood cancer guides treatment

Bilateral neuroblastoma cancers in a patient can arise independently from each other, at the very earliest stages of life
Zach Fitzpatrick

4 Nov 2020

Why protecting the brain against infection takes guts

Gut microbes educate antibody producing cells that guard the brain

3 Nov 2020

Sequencing COVID – what now?

Helping to track coronavirus outbreaks.

28 Oct 2020

Human Cell Atlas projects increase diversity of sample donors

Funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative enables tissue samples from more diverse ethnic backgrounds
Wellcome Sanger Institute

26 Oct 2020

Sanger Institute welcomes Wellcome's new science strategy

Director Mike Stratton outlines the opportunities and continuing support that Wellcome's new strategy provides for Sanger researchers

22 Oct 2020

Sequencing COVID-19 at the Sanger Institute

This photo essay goes behind the scenes of the effort to sequence the genome of the COVID-19 virus at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
Michael Fallon, Unsplash.com

14 Oct 2020

Study linking 28 genes to developmental disorders will mean diagnoses for around 500 families

Researchers estimate that approximately another 1,000 genes linked to developmental issues have yet to be found
Wellcome Sanger Institute

14 Oct 2020

Update to COSMIC drives precision oncology

The Cancer Mutation Census combines biological, biochemical and population data to enable users to understand which DNA mutations drive human cancers

12 Oct 2020

Equity, diversity and inclusion in science

To celebrate Black History Month, Your Digital Mentor Podcast released a special episode. Academics from across the globe discuss inequalities in science and how things need to change.
Adapted from Nature Immunology DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-0800-8

12 Oct 2020

Novel map reveals how immune cells fight and remember infections

Mouse immune study gives pointers for development of vaccines and immune therapies
Camila G. Beiras (FLSida https://www.flsida.org/en)

7 Oct 2020

Comeback of drug-resistant neglected tropical disease tracked through genomic surveillance

Study shows that re-emergence was likely caused by latent infections in untreated asymptomatic people

5 Oct 2020

Song Chen to lead research group in Cellular Genetics Programme

This new group will develop powerful, cutting-edge technologies to map individual cells in the brain and other tissues, to understand how ...
Dave Goulding, Wellcome Sanger Institute

1 Oct 2020

Cause of 1990s Argentina cholera epidemic uncovered

Work influenced Argentine health policy, where the national alert surveillance system now uses whole-genome sequencing to distinguish between pandemic and non-pandemic ...

1 Oct 2020

DNA changes in healthy bladder provide clues on how cancer arises

The research reveals a huge diversity in the number and types of changes between individuals, indicating that a wide range of ...

1 Oct 2020

Xylem, Mentoring, and the Worldwide Fantasy Food Tour

Dr Christine Boinett talks about Black History Month, her new international podcast on mentoring and her research on drug-resistant bacteria.
Adobe Stock

24 Sep 2020

Highly detailed map of human heart could guide personalised heart treatments

Heart Cell Atlas will illuminate our understanding of heart health and disease
Wellcome Sanger Institute, Genome Research Limited

24 Sep 2020

Key genetic clue missing in fight against superbugs

Analysis shows importance of including plasmids when tracking antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations
Michael Sweet, University of Derby

23 Sep 2020

Ambitious genomics project seeks to understand how aquatic species thrive together

The Aquatic Symbiosis Project will empower researchers to answer important questions about the ecology and evolution of symbiosis
Fiona McQueen, Marissa Lassere and Mikkel Østergaard. CC BY 2.0 Wikimedia Commons

21 Sep 2020

Key discovery in psoriatic arthritis points way for developing targeted treatments

Genetic evidence points to potential single cause for the disease

18 Sep 2020

A day in the life of a cell technician: CRISPR, teamwork, and character cells

Life in the cellular generation and phenotyping labs at the Sanger Institute.

18 Sep 2020

Fire on Wellcome Genome Campus detected and extinguished quickly

The fire was contained to one room and the Campus is safe and fully operational
Adobe Stock

17 Sep 2020

Future of genomic research at risk without greater public trust in how genetic data is shared

Survey finds lack of familiarity with genomics and how it can benefit society
Adobe Stock

16 Sep 2020

How Dantu blood group protects against malaria - and how all humans could benefit

Red blood cells have a higher surface tension that prevents them from being invaded by Plasmodium parasite
Annie Cavanagh (CC BY-NC 4.0)

3 Sep 2020

Genetic information can predict predisposition to blood diseases

Studies identify bulk of genetic variation that influences blood cell traits
CDC / Alissa Ecker MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS

28 Aug 2020

Unprecedented national effort by UK immunologists to search for answers on COVID-19 

Sanger Institute researchers join national research projects to investigate the role of our immune system in tackling COVID-19
Gianmarco Raddi, Wellcome Sanger Institute

27 Aug 2020

Mosquito immune system mapped to help fight malaria

Atlas will be valuable resource for understanding and controlling mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, Dengue and Zika

25 Aug 2020

Inspiring prisoners and their families with genomics

“I want to inspire kids, let them know that though they are having a really tough time now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I want them to know they can do well, whatever happens.”

19 Aug 2020

The race to sequence SARS-CoV-2

The Sanger Institute is built for high-throughput science – but the project to sequence coronavirus demanded more samples were handled more quickly than ever before.

11 Aug 2020

Former Sanger Institute Head of Pathogens receives the 2020 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal 

Professor Gordon Dougan awarded Sabin Vaccine Institute prize for his contributions to vaccinology

6 Aug 2020

From locked down to reaching out: re-inventing public engagement for the “new normal”

Since the Campus closed to visitors in March, staff have been finding new ways of engaging with people who want to find out more about our work.

4 Aug 2020

New podcast to provide digital mentoring tips for early career researchers

Your Digital Mentor launches with first episode on the mentoring experience

3 Aug 2020

Genomes within Genomes

Hiding in the genome of a newly-sequenced red colobus monkey, there was a second species - a parasite descended from malaria.

30 Jul 2020

New drug targets for lethal brain cancer discovered

Researchers engineered a new mouse model for studying glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer
Yu Fu, Moritz Gerstung, Spencer Phillips

27 Jul 2020

Artificial intelligence finds patterns of mutations and survival in tumour images

AI detects patterns of 167 different mutations and predicts patient survival in 28 cancer types

27 Jul 2020

Impact of The Technician Commitment

Kelly Vere, Programme Director of the Technician Commitment, explores the progress of the scheme across the UK.

21 Jul 2020

Chronic inflammation alters the evolution of cells in the colon, study finds

Researchers have compared diseased colon with healthy tissue to better understand how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is linked to an increased ...

17 Jul 2020

Building an inclusive culture in all we do

Launching a new Behavioural Competency Framework.

16 Jul 2020

From bacterial behaviours to COVID-19

Sushmita Sridhar has paused her work on a gastroenteritis-causing bacterium to help diagnose the virus that causes COVID-19.
Human Cell Atlas

13 Jul 2020

Explore COVID-19 science in action with new Human Cell Atlas animation

Mapping COVID-19: How the Human Cell Atlas enhances our understanding of the disease

13 Jul 2020

International Common Disease Alliance releases action plan to drive next phase of genetic understanding of common disease

Report defines priorities, proposes international collaborations to accelerate progress from genetic maps to biological mechanisms to medical treatments
AdobeStock

8 Jul 2020

Launch of virtual Sanger Seminar series

Join us for a new series of virtual seminars, open to all, which will present the latest research from the Sanger ...
AdobeStock

7 Jul 2020

Drug screens and CRISPR combine to help make better cancer drugs

Improved understanding of the biological mechanisms underpinning drug response will enable faster, more efficient drug development

2 Jul 2020

Sarah Teichmann, an international pioneer of single cell research

We spoke to the Head of Cellular Genetics at the Sanger Institute about her life, career and the Human Cell Atlas.

26 Jun 2020

The first draft human genome at 20

A revolution powering today’s advances in genomics, biology and medicine

26 Jun 2020

‘It had better be good’

We reflect on what followed the publication of the human genome sequence for the Sanger Institute, and what the future holds.

24 Jun 2020

Restarting Science

Staff are starting to return to the Wellcome Genome Campus.

18 Jun 2020

Update to DECIPHER brings power to clinical genomics

Update to rare disease database allows researchers and clinicians to input, interpret and share all types of genomic variants in all ...

16 Jun 2020

Supporting Pride Month at the Wellcome Genome Campus

We are celebrating Pride Month with virtual events, and we are pleased to have joined the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme. We believe in the power of a workplace that is equal.
Ron van der Stappen, Adobe Stock

11 Jun 2020

Denisovan DNA influences immune system of modern day Oceanian populations

Previously-unknown variations in medically-important genes will be valuable resource for the field of precision medicine

10 Jun 2020

My postdoc and my dad’s dementia

This carers week, postdoctoral fellow Lia Chappell shares her experiences.