East London Genes & Health

East London Genes & Health is a community-based genetic research study focused on the health of people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in East London. The project aims to improve health among these communities by studying the genes and health of thousands of volunteers.

Overview

East London Genes & Health is a research project that was established to understand the health issues prevalent in the South Asian communities of East London. The project is a partnership between Queen Mary University of London and local communities, and is funded by the Wellcome Trust and Medical Research Council.

The project aims to recruit 100,000 volunteers from the local Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities. These volunteers provide saliva samples for genetic analysis, and their health is tracked over time through their NHS health records. The goal is to understand why people from these communities are more likely to suffer from certain health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, and to develop new treatments for these conditions.

Research

The research conducted by East London Genes & Health focuses on the genetic factors that contribute to health and disease. By studying the genes of people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani backgrounds, the researchers hope to identify genetic variations that are associated with increased risk of disease.

The project also studies the impact of lifestyle factors on health, such as diet and physical activity. This is done through questionnaires and interviews with the volunteers.

Impact

The findings from East London Genes & Health have the potential to improve health care for people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage. By understanding the genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute to disease, it may be possible to develop new treatments and prevention strategies.

The project also aims to increase awareness of genetic research among these communities, and to encourage more people from these backgrounds to participate in scientific research.

See also

• Genetic research
• Community-based research
• Health disparities