Genetics and medicine

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Susie Murray has a rare inherited heart condition called long QT, which if left untreated can lead to rapid heart beats, blackouts and even sudden death. Long QT is described as a single-gene condition but geneticist Dr Bill Newman explains that there are at least eight genes that can be involved. Eczema is a common and complex condition, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Professor Irwin McLean tells us that it is only since the arrival of large-scale genomic tests that scientists have been able to investigate all the factors involved and identify new genes contributing to eczema. The latest genetic research provides powerful tools to understand the causes of different illnesses.This programme is part of the Nowgen Schools Genomics Programme, which aims to narrow the gap between genomics research and classroom genetics.