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28/03/2012
Cleft Research Facility To be Set Up In UK
The world’s largest database of research into cleft lip and palate is to be set up in the UK, hoping to determine what causes these common conditions.
The cause of these congenital abnormalities, which affect 1,200 babies born in the UK each year, is still unknown.
Parents of babies with these conditions are being encouraged to enrol in the £11m, five-year programme being set up by the Cleft Collective. The team will gather and analyse the DNA of these children to see if they can pin down a cause.
And by following these 3,000 or more children throughout their childhood, the researchers hope to ascertain what the best course of treatment is, including which surgery offers the best cosmetic and functional results.
A cleft occurs when separate areas of the face do not join together properly when a baby is developing in the womb.
"Children born with cleft often face unique challenges. These include speech and language issues, educational difficulties and broader health concerns,” Prof Jonathan Sandy, lead researcher for the Bristol gene bank, has said.
"We do not know if these problems are caused by the genes that may be responsible for cleft or by other factors, such as lifestyle or 'environmental' factors. This study will help answer these important questions and could also solve the ultimate mystery of what causes cleft in the first place."
(H)
The cause of these congenital abnormalities, which affect 1,200 babies born in the UK each year, is still unknown.
Parents of babies with these conditions are being encouraged to enrol in the £11m, five-year programme being set up by the Cleft Collective. The team will gather and analyse the DNA of these children to see if they can pin down a cause.
And by following these 3,000 or more children throughout their childhood, the researchers hope to ascertain what the best course of treatment is, including which surgery offers the best cosmetic and functional results.
A cleft occurs when separate areas of the face do not join together properly when a baby is developing in the womb.
"Children born with cleft often face unique challenges. These include speech and language issues, educational difficulties and broader health concerns,” Prof Jonathan Sandy, lead researcher for the Bristol gene bank, has said.
"We do not know if these problems are caused by the genes that may be responsible for cleft or by other factors, such as lifestyle or 'environmental' factors. This study will help answer these important questions and could also solve the ultimate mystery of what causes cleft in the first place."
(H)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
