Behind the Headlines

One million Brits can 'dump deodorant'

Friday Jan 18 2013

"One million people who have non-body odour gene still use deodorant," is the bizarre headline from The Daily Telegraph, with a similar Daily Mail report saying many people use deodorant needlessly because their sweat doesn’t smell…

Do epilepsy and migraine share a genetic link?

Monday Jan 7 2013

'Epilepsy and migraine could have shared genetic link' BBC News tells us after researchers publish the findings of a study which suggests there is a link between family history of epilepsy and an increased risk of severe migraines…

Do 'fat genes' really make you happier?

Wednesday Nov 21 2012

'Fat people really are more jolly,' is the Daily Mail's childishly over-simplistic take on a complex piece of research that looks at the association between BMI, depression and a specific genetic variant called FTO...

'Autism gene discovered' by researchers

Thursday Nov 8 2012

"Genetic mutation discovered in people with autism," The Daily Telegraph reports. The newspaper goes on to say that this mutation "cuts communication between brain cells to about one-tenth of normal levels"...

Three-parent IVF trialled

Thursday Oct 25 2012

“Three person IVF trial ‘success’,” reports BBC News. This headline is based on the results of a trial of a controversial fertility treatment called mitochondrial replacement. Mitochondrial replacement, which uses genetic material...

Gene link to placebo effect

Wednesday Oct 24 2012

'Placebo effect may be 'down to genes'' BBC News suggests. Researchers were looking at whether genes play a part in the placebo effect for people with irritable bowel syndrome – where symptoms improve even though only a dummy treatment was used…

'High cholesterol genes' discovered

Friday Oct 12 2012

Scientists are "a step closer to preventing heart attacks" the Daily Mail reports. The newspaper says that the largest ever genetic study of its kind paves the way for personalised drugs and treatments. This large study...

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Should we allow 'three-parent' IVF

Monday Sep 17 2012

''Three people, one baby' public consultation begins' BBC News tell us after the body that regulates the use of IVF, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, launches a public consultation into so-called three parent IVF…

Diabetes genes 'breakthrough'

Monday Aug 13 2012

“Scientists have discovered a clutch of genes that dramatically increase the risk of developing diabetes,” reports the Daily Express. The newspaper says the breakthrough “could help develop simple and cheap drugs to tackle...

'Fainting runs in families'

Wednesday Aug 8 2012

‘Feeling faint? Blame your parents’ is the advice in the Mail. The paper is reporting on a study that suggested that genes may play a role in making people prone to fainting. But can you really blame your Mum and Dad for going weak at the sight of blood…