Could we end illness? Scientists have managed to slow down Huntington’s disease, a deadly condition passed through families. Some think this could be the beginning of a disease-free future.
Found! Treatment for ‘cruellest’ disease
Hope hunting: Professor Sarah Tabrizi (above), is renowned for her pivotal work as a scientific advisor on the development and clinical trials of AMT-130, a groundbreaking gene therapy that has shown promising results in slowing the progression of Huntington's disease. Comprehension quiz
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The word “mutation” most nearly means:
A: A sudden change in a gene or chromosome
B: A medical treatment for a disease
C: A type of brain cell
D: A common sickness
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Which word is the closest in meaning to “astonishing” as used in this context?
A: Boring
B: Confusing
C: Amazing
D: Slow
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Add the correct punctuation to this sentence:
professor sarah tabrizi leader of the trial team was overjoyed
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According to the article, what is one of the main symptoms of Huntington’s disease as sufferers get older?
A: Feeling happier
B: Losing control over their movements
C: Becoming smarter
D: Sleeping more
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How much money did Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife pledge to fund medical research in 2016?
A: $2.2 million
B: $3 billion
C: $75,000
D: $44 million
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Give two reasons why some people think the goal of eliminating all disease by the end of the century is “too ambitious”.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1: A, 2: C, 3: Professor Sarah Tabrizi, leader of the trial team, was overjoyed., 4: B, 5: B, 6: We still do not understand how many diseases work, diseases often change, and our immune systems change too.
1: A, 2: C, 3: Professor Sarah Tabrizi, leader of the trial team, was overjoyed., 4: B, 5: B, 6: We still do not understand how many diseases work, diseases often change, and our immune systems change too.
Glossary
Gene - A gene is the basic unit of heredity.
Dementia - A syndrome associated with memory loss and other declining brain functions.
Leprosy - A chronic bacterial disease. Once known pejoratively as lepers, sufferers were historically forced to live in colonies, isolated from others.