Machines Like Us

Just a year ago, science understood little about the genetic origins of common conditions such as diabetes and cancers of the lung, breast and prostate. These were known to be affected by inheritance, but with the exception of rare mutations with catastrophic effects, the genetic mechanisms responsible remained elusive. The picture has changed decisively, as was highlighted this week by the discovery of six new genes that affect type 2 diabetes, and the first genetic variant linked to lung cancer.