DTR’s scanner aids research into genes and disease
At St Thomas’ Hospital are Vertec DXA product specialist Sue Barlow, department of twin research nurse manager Gail Clement, research nurse Johanna Honey, research associate Marina Cecelja and senior research nurse Liisa Bevan.
Hologic’s Discovery DXA scanner is to be used in research into how genes affect disease. Researchers at the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology (DTR) at St Thomas’ Hospital in London are studying twins to discover ways in which genes influence a large number of common diseases.
“Comparing similarities between identical and non-identical twins produces important information on the extent to which a disease is caused by genes or the environment,” said department director Professor Spector.
Research at DTR focuses on intermediate factors that contribute to disease development, moving down a level in analysis to discover the body’s pathways to illness.
See the full report on page 5 of the December 2012 issue of RAD Magazine.
