Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
One of the most exciting research areas today is the field of genetics. Genetic research helps doctors understand how and why some diseases and conditions occur. Genetic research also may lead to new ways to prevent and treat diseases.
An organism's genetic code is carried in DNA, where strings of chemical sequences spell out the instructions needed to carry out all of life's functions. Many diseases occur because genes are missing or aren't working properly. By understanding how genetic codings are supposed to work, researchers can learn what happens when something goes wrong.
This week on Healthwatch, we'll be talking about genetic research that's being conducted at UT Southwestern. Scientists there are learning how genes affect development, how they relate to diseases and how they can be used in treatment.
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Jan. 2005
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