Sanger Science
15 January 2026When most people think about genetic changes, or mutations, they imagine inherited conditions that are passed on from parents to offspring. However, the vast majority of mutations in our DNA are not inherited at all. Instead, they arise quietly, cell-by-cell throughout our lifetime. These are somatic mutations, and they are one of the most important – yet least understood – forces acting inside our bodies.
23 December 20259.5 min readFor many, flu season has come earlier this year with hospitalisations rising by more than 50 per cent in one week in the UK. The so-called ‘super flu’ is causing a media frenzy – but what actually is it? Why are we seeing it earlier than usual? And how can we be better prepared in the future?
20 December 202414.8 min readWhat has genetics done for us? Well in 2024, it paved the way for better cancer treatment, supported conservation efforts and mapped the hidden world of connections in our bodies to name but three. So, sit back as we unwrap eight gifts that genetics at the Sanger Institute has provided this year.
18 December 20247.8 min readAdvances in AI are rapidly changing biological research, which raises important questions surrounding its responsible use. Here we share insights from a recent conference, funded by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, on explainable AI and how it impacts biology.
12 December 20248.5 min readTardigrades are tiny creatures renowned for their ability to survive extreme conditions. Dr Witold Morek, Postdoc at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, studies tardigrade genomes to unravel their evolution. This work could help enhance scientific understanding of biodiversity and lead to innovations in medicine and biotechnology.
10 December 20247.1 min readPolicy Analyst Gemma Brown talks about the role of the Sanger Institute and the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health in ensuring data is shared responsibly and that everyone has equal access to research data. She reflects on the aligned mission of Sanger and the Alliance, the challenges in data sharing and what is being done to overcome them.
2 December 202410.3 min readDavid Nicholson, Sanger Institute Policy and Advocacy Manager, attended this year’s United Nations biodiversity COP 16 conference. He reflects on how the agreed proposals can support equitable global genomics research.
12 November 20249.1 min readDr David Adams, Senior Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, is a pioneer in cancer biology and uncovering skin cancer genetics. We explore his 20-year career at Sanger and the global impact of his research.
