Every baby in the UK to receive DNA testing
Every baby in the UK will have their DNA tested under a new 10-year plan for the NHS.
The whole-genome sequencing will screen for hundreds of diseases and allow people to "leapfrog" killer illnesses, according to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.
Speaking to the Telegraph, he revealed plans to move the NHS towards a model of sickness prevention rather than treatment.
Personalised medicine, made possible through things like DNA testing, will form a big part of that plan, with £650m pledged to genomics research by the government.
"The revolution in medical science means that we can transform the NHS over the coming decade, from a service which diagnoses and treats ill health to one that predicts and prevents it," said Mr Streeting in a statement.
"Genomics presents us with the opportunity to leapfrog disease, so we're in front of it rather than reacting to it."
Newborns are currently offered a blood test when they are around five days old to check for nine rare but serious conditions.
In those blood spot tests, the baby's heel is pricked to collect a few drops of blood on a card, but with whole genome sequencing, blood samples are typically taken from the umbilical cord shortly after birth.
In the past, Mr Streeting has spoken about his desire to make the NHS more preventative, in order to reduce rates of serious illness and save money.
Technologies like artificial intelligence will be used by the health service to predict illness and allow treatment or medication to be offered much earlier.
"With the power of this new technology, patients will be able to receive personalised healthcare to prevent ill health before symptoms begin, reducing the pressure on NHS services and helping people live longer, healthier lives," said Mr Streeting.
Along with a greater focus on prevention, the Government's 10-year plan is expected to include Mr Streeting's two other "shifts" in the NHS: moving care away from hospitals to communities, and from analogue to digital services.
It follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves' announcement that the Government would increase NHS funding by £29 billion per year in real terms over the next three years as it tries to cut waiting lists in line with its election promises.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
I'm 37 and I starved myself in my teens, smoked for 20 years and never said no to a party - when I found out my biological age, I was truly shocked
I'm Monique and I'm 37. It shouldn't be something I need to 'confess' - and I know, intellectually, there's nothing to be ashamed of - but my age is a detail that I've tried to conceal at work. How successful I've been with this is unclear - I'd have to ask my colleagues - but, working on the very youthful Femail desk, I suppose I've lied by omission. When the subject of birthdays comes up in our corner of the office, I place headphones over my ears, fix my eyes on the computer screen and type furiously. If age is discussed at after work drinks in the pub, I adopt a vague expression and float away. My issues with getting older cannot be blamed on my parents. Long before he got ill, my late dad would remind me, with typical dry humour, that getting older was 'better than the alternative'. But, every January when my birthday comes around, it's tinged with a fear that is quite distinct from the existential dread that I assume everyone experiences. I fear the physical signs of ageing which women, in particular, have long been told will limit not only their romantic opportunities but also their professional ones. For, though I think I would be able to blend in with my 28-year-old sister-in-law's friends on a good day - I am, after all, committed to a complicated and expensive skincare routine - I know, rationally, that it's almost impossible. My fraught relationship with ageing is, at least in part, rooted in my understanding of how I've mistreated my body over the years, whether through the restrictive diets and over exercising that pervaded my teens and twenties, the smoking habit that continued for almost two decades - I stopped for good last Christmas - or the predilection for parties that has only recently given way to early nights. While I would describe my present lifestyle as 'moderate' - I eat relatively well, keeping my passion for fried chicken in check, run or swim a couple of times a week, walk whenever I can and rarely drink more than two glasses of wine in one go - I have always wondered whether my previous behaviours would catch up with me. Now in my late thirties - and aware that at 40 our risk of developing myriad health issues increases - I'm becoming more focused on looking after my body. Already at an increased risk of certain cancers due to the BRCA2 gene, it would be foolish not to try to optimise my health and minimise the lifestyle factors that make us all more susceptible to disease. And, just as someone who wants to improve their physical strength needs to start by understanding where their weaknesses are, I wanted to understand what kind of damage I was dealing with - which is where biological age testing came in. 'Understanding a patient's biological age can help identify potential areas for targeted interventions and assist in developing personalised treatment plans to optimise health and well-being,' the company that conducted my test says in its patient report. I must also add, however, that biological age testing is having a moment now, not least thanks to the success of comedian Katherine Ryan's podcast 'What's My Age Again?', which asks celebrity guests to take the test before being interviewed. The Mail's Bryony Gordon appeared on the show last month, receiving a result that she was definitely not expecting. Unsurprisingly, given what I've described here, I wasn't particularly optimistic - I was sure my biological age would be significantly higher than my chronological age, probably somewhere between 50 and 70 - but it was still worth finding out. Of the three tests that can determine someone's biological age in 2025, I took the £375 GlcanAge test at the longevity-focused - and suitably futuristic - HUM2N clinic in London's South Kensington. As the clinic's founder and CEO, Dr Mohammed Enayat, explained: 'The test looks at a process called glycation, which is affected by inflammation, but particularly metabolic inflammation, as one of the major drivers of aging.' The number and type of 'glycans' in the patient's blood, chain-like structures which play a vital role in the majority of biological processes and determine whether your cells will experience inflammatory or anti-inflammatory reactions, are analysed in a lab. Through this, it is possible to provide a clear picture of the general health of their body. When I received my result in a typed report, I was nothing short of shocked. My biological age wasn't somewhere between 50 and 70 - it was, remarkably, 20. My first thought was: How? But while I had lots of questions for Dr Enayat, he was not especially surprised, partly due to the way the GlycanAge test actually works. The test 'reflects the preceding two-three months', the doctor explained, which, in turn, means that the result can change - both improve and get worse - relatively quickly. 'If you were to measure this during [a period of] illness, your biological age undoubtedly would have been a lot higher,' he added. I did my test on May 8 and, between March 1 and mid-April, I didn't drink any alcohol, an irritating reminder that abstaining from booze only helps with overall health. Dr Enayat agreed that my result was 'obviously positive' - but he didn't let me bask in glory for too long. Rather, we swiftly moved on to the areas where I didn't score well and, in some cases, scored badly. My score in one of the metrics, Glycan Median, which is positively influenced by factors like heart health, metabolic health and weight, was in the second percentile. Improving this is relatively straightforward, however, with increased exercise - not only cardio but also strength training - being highly recommended. Similarly, my score for the Glycan Lifestyle (B) metric, which is negatively influenced by factors like smoking, poor sleep and stress, was much worse than that of other women my age. I'm painfully aware that I don't sleep very well, often waking in the very early hours and unable to get back to sleep, something which I reported in the symptom questionnaire that I filled out before discussing my results with the doctor. There are, of course, measures I can take here, the most obvious being paying more attention to the horribly-named 'sleep hygiene'. The 3-2-1 rule, for example, which insists on no food or alcohol three hours before bed, no work or exercise two hours before bed and no screens one hour before bed, is one tried and tested approach. As someone who tends to scroll news, clothes and dating apps until my eyes are closing, or my phone runs out of battery, there's a lot of room for improvement. So, what now? The worst thing I could do with my impressive result, I was made to understand, would be to be complacent. Given that biological age can change as frequently as every two-three months, it would be unadvisable to embrace late nights or start drinking to excess. While it might be interesting to see how much damage I could do in a relatively short period, a much better bet would be to remember where I didn't score well and work with experts - a nutritionist and personal trainer in my case - to improve these. Indeed, members of HUM2N's health programmes experience a 42 per cent improvement in their overall health in as little as eight weeks. With memberships starting at £299 per month, plus a joining fee of £595, an advanced clinic like HUM2N could not be called accessible - though I've no doubt that I would experience the improvements promised. But am I ready to commit to a rigorous programme when the sun is shining, outdoor drinking is in full swing and holidays are on the horizon? I think I better leave it until September.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
You probably don't need foods with added protein, nutritionists say
The human body needs protein. Proteins carry out countless functions inside cells and they are vital for the growth, repair and maintenance of muscles, bones and skin. And with food companies rolling out high-protein versions of a huge range of foods, including milkshakes and granola bars — and even pancakes and popcorn — you might be tempted to think you need to add more to your diet. But nutritionists say that if you are getting enough food, you are probably getting enough protein. 'Adding protein to foods is very beneficial — for the profits of that food,' said Federica Amati, nutrition lead at Imperial College London and head nutritionist at the health science company ZOE. 'It is not based on health, it is not backed by science.' The amount of protein you need depends on your age, weight and personal nutritional needs and it is especially important for children and older adults to make sure they eat protein-rich foods. Here's what to know about how much protein you need and how to ensure you're getting it from the best sources. Protein is so critical that your body knows how to make it Protein is a macronutrient, or a basic kind of food like fat or carbohydrates that your body needs to function. There are thousands of proteins, assembled from smaller molecules called amino acids — most of which can be made by the body. 'Because protein is so important, our body has adapted really well to making sure that it can reassemble and change the building blocks of these amino acids to make sure we have what we need, as long as we're eating adequate amounts of food,' Amati said. Still, the body can't make all the amino acids, so some must come from food. If you aren't starving, you are probably getting plenty of protein The World Health Organization recommends that healthy adults get about 0.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight (0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight). That's roughly 60 grams for men and 50 grams for women per day, based on body weights of 165 pounds (75 kilograms) for men and 143 pounds (65 kilograms) for women. In most rich countries, the average adult gets far more, Amati said. Protein deficiencies are mostly seen in malnourished people on subsistence diet in poorer countries, she said. Bridget Benelam, a nutritionist with the British Nutrition Foundation, said it was important to get protein from different foods, like dairy, fish, beans, nuts, vegetables and meat. She said studies suggest vegetarians and vegans have lower protein intake than meat and fish eaters, but that their average protein levels are still OK. Having some protein at every meal is also a likely a good idea. 'It appears to be better for preserving muscle function if you have some protein throughout the day, rather than just having it all in one meal,' Benelam said. Protein can be found in a huge range of food Plant-based sources of protein include foods such as beans, lentils, peas, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh and meat substitutes. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy foods such as milk and yogurt are also good sources of protein. Amati said that proteins from animal-based sources may be easier for the body to break down compared to plant-based proteins, which tend to have more fiber. 'If you eat a piece of beef, you're getting protein and things like zinc and iron, but you're also getting more saturated fat,' she said. In comparison, Amati said eating protein-rich foods like chickpeas or beans also provides the body with fiber, something that's lacking in most of our diets. You probably don't need to buy products with added protein 'Unless you have a specific health issue that requires you to have more protein, most people in countries like the U.S. and the U.K. do not need more,' said Benelam of the British Nutrition Foundation. Amati, of Imperial College London, said people should scrutinize the ingredient list of protein-enriched products to make sure they aren't loaded with sugar and fat. For people trying to build more muscle, she recommended a more direct solution: exercise. 'If you're worried about your body composition and muscle strength, you have to lift (heavier) weights and give your body a challenge,' Amati said. 'Eating a protein bar is not going to help.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Doctors said my baby boy had colic – now he lives with a lifelong seizure disorder and too many brain tumours to count
WHEN five-month-old Thomas Ward began screaming inconsolably on Valentine's Day in 2012, doctors told his mum Philippa that he likely had colic and might be teething. Nine days later, 'the bottom fell out' of Philippa's world when her son was diagnosed with a genetic disorder that causes tumours to form on numerous organs, including the brain. 6 Thomas is now 13 and has "more tumours than doctors can count". His devastating condition impacts nearly every aspect of his life, causing developmental delays, terrifying three-hour seizures, and the need for a wheelchair. Here, Philippa, 47, a communications professional from York, tells their story… 'YOU can't possibly think Thomas is having seizures, can you?' I will never forget the response from the out-of-hours doctor when I took my then-five-month-old son to the hospital one weekend in February 2012 after he began behaving unusually, crying incessantly and making strange, jerky movements. We were dismissed and told it was likely a simple case of colic - when a baby cries a lot but there is no obvious cause - or that he might be teething. Unhappy with this outcome, and as the symptoms continued, a few days later I took Thomas to see our local GP. She agreed he was behaving unusually and wrote to the paediatrician at the local hospital. There was no indication that Thomas had a medical problem that needed to be urgently addressed, but my instincts told me otherwise. The following day, I packed a bag, took my older son Ben to nursery and walked to A&E with Thomas. As soon as the doctor saw him, he diagnosed Thomas with infantile spasms - a rare and damaging form of epilepsy. He then revealed my wonderful little boy might have tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), but he would have to be transferred to a larger hospital for an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis. It was a terrifying time. February 29 is recognised around the world as Rare Disease Day, and it also happens to be the day Thomas was officially diagnosed with TSC, which causes tumours to form on the eyes, heart, kidneys, skin, lungs and brain. My legs gave way when we found out. It felt as though the bottom had fallen out of my world. My husband David and I learned that our son had numerous tumours on his brain and that they could cause cognitive impairment, developmental delays, behavioural problems, autism spectrum disorder, and seizures, which often cannot be adequately controlled using standard medications. We were also told that there are no approved therapies that address the root cause of TSC, so our only care options for Thomas were various therapies, symptom-based medications and possibly surgery. The days that followed were a blur. 6 6 Despite an estimated one million people living with it worldwide, TSC is classified as a rare disease. If Thomas hadn't been diagnosed with it, I'd probably never have heard of it myself. Thomas underwent a few more tests before being discharged from hospital. As we were leaving, the neurologist handed us a leaflet from the Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) - the UK charity dedicated to helping families affected by TSC. It felt like a strange consolation prize after receiving such a massive, life-changing diagnosis, but it became a lifeline, signposting to many of the resources and support available to us. We also joined a newly-formed Facebook group for other parents of children with TSC, and through that met some people who have gone on to become friends. But TSC continues to affect us every single day. Thomas is now 13, and like many people with TSC, he experiences seizures most days. At one point, Thomas was having up to eight seizures a day. Today, he typically still has at least one, usually right after waking up. They can last up to three hours at a time. He is not able to verbally communicate and has delayed motor skills. He often uses a wheelchair for outings to ensure his safety. Thomas requires regular medical scans and monitoring to track his tumours - there are now too many on his brain to count. He has been on numerous anti-epileptic medications, but none have fully relieved him from the exhausting seizures. TSC has put our entire family on a rollercoaster ride. As parents, there has been so much to learn about having a child with complex medical and developmental needs. FAMILY IMPACT It is especially difficult for us to witness the effect on our elder son, Ben. By age three, he could recognise a seizure and learned to alert us if Thomas was having one. There is nothing more heartbreaking than hearing a toddler shout: 'Seizure, seizure!' Ben, now 15, is very aware of his brother's needs. He understands the importance of being quiet in the evenings so Thomas can sleep. There are many activities we can't do as a family due to safety and accessibility issues. As a young carer, Carers UK provides him with support and resources when needed. 6 6 Despite the challenges Thomas has faced throughout his life, he remains a lovely young man with a vibrant personality and clear passions. He is a remarkable problem solver and even though he cannot speak, he is able to communicate very effectively when he wants something. He's a gentle and affectionate soul and a joy to be around. Thomas' favourite foods are chips, toast and avocado - he also loves ketchup and mayonnaise. He enjoys going on train rides, car journeys, watching YouTube videos and listening to music. His favourite person in the world is his big brother. One of the most important things we've learned since Thomas' diagnosis is the importance of community, especially one that understands your unique circumstances. What is tuberous sclerosis complex? ABOUT one million people worldwide are living with tuberous sclerosis complex, and up to 11,000 are diagnosed in the UK. It causes non-cancerous tumours to grow on the brain, as well as the eyes, heart, skin, kidneys and lungs. These tumours, which impact the central nervous system, can result in cognitive impairment, developmental delays, behavioural problems, autism, and seizures, which often can't be controlled by standard medicines. The condition can also cause skin abnormalities (such as patches of light-coloured or thickened skin, or red acne-like spots on the face), breathing difficulties, hyperactivity, kidney issues and a build-up of fluid on the brain. TSC is present from birth, although it may not cause obvious problems immediately. It is caused by changes in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, which are involved in regulating cell growth. There is no cure, but medicine, surgery and educational support can help. Many people with TSC will have a normal lifespan, although a number of life-threatening complications can develop. These include a loss of kidney function, a serious lung infection called bronchopneumonia and a severe type of epileptic seizure called status epilepticus. Patients may also have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as kidney cancer, but this is rare. Source: NHS Families impacted by serious conditions, especially rare diseases, often find themselves feeling isolated and alone in the weeks and months following a diagnosis. We are hugely fortunate to have our own family close by, and they are a great support to us, as is the wider TSC community around the UK and beyond. Since Thomas' diagnosis, I have done everything in my power to advocate for TSC awareness. I took part in the Great North Run to raise money for the TSA, have spoken at conferences and awareness events, shared our family's story with my workplace, and advocated for the TSC community within the NHS. There are a number of messages that I hope people take away from our family's story. Firstly, research for rare diseases like TSC is critical. While only between 3,700 and 11,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with TSC, each of these diagnoses impacts everyone in the patient's life. 'On constant alert' Having a treatment for TSC would be amazing. Thomas' frequent seizures require everyone in our house to be on constant alert. It's not easy, but Thomas is a wonderful young man, and he makes it all worthwhile. We remain hopeful that there will one day be a treatment that can improve Thomas' quality of life - and ours. I also want to remind parents of children with TSC, or any rare disease, of the importance of living in the present. When your child is diagnosed with a condition like TSC, it's understandable to ask: Why does my child have this disease? What will our future look like? We immediately begin grieving the child we thought we would have. I still don't fully understand why Thomas has TSC, but David and I are able to find tremendous joy in our lives with our son every day. The best things we can do are keep him safe, meet him where he is, help him enjoy life, and love every part of who he is. I look forward to the day when Thomas and others with TSC can access safe and effective treatment options. Until then, I am committed to making the world more inclusive and understanding. When it might not be colic ALL babies cry, but one may have colic if they cry for more than three hours a day, three days a week for at least one week. It may also be colic if, while they are crying: It's hard to soothe or settle your baby They clench their fists They go red in the face They bring their knees up to their tummy or arch their back Their tummy rumbles or they're very windy Colic is common, affecting up to 40 per cent of babies, and it usually stops by the time babies turn three or four months old. But there are other reasons your baby may be crying. These include: hunger, a dirty nappy, wind, reflux and constipation. Call NHS 111 or see a GP if: You're worried about your baby's crying Your baby has colic and nothing seems to be working You're finding it hard to cope Your baby is not growing or putting on weight as expected Your baby still has symptoms of colic after 4 months of age Go to A&E or call 999 if: Your baby has a weak or high-pitched cry Your baby's cry does not sound like their normal cry You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like. Trust your instincts if you think something is seriously wrong, particularly if they have other worrying symptoms. Source: NHS
