Medical Research Council

Scientists have solved the mystery of which protein triggers the onset of many cases of frontotemporal dementia, paving the way for more effective early diagnosis of the degenerative disease and the development of potentially life-changing treatment.

A large-scale program has pinpointed animal genes closely associated with age-related conditions such as retinal degeneration, osteoarthritis and hearing loss. The insights could help in the development of screening tests to identify human patients at risk of developing such conditions.