Starting in 2027, all newborns in England will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy
Starting in October 2027, all newborns in England will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)—a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness.
The program will be launched as early as October 2026. In the first phase, testing will cover about 72% of newborns, as only seven of the 13 laboratories involved in neonatal screening will be able to perform the test.
Following criticism from charitable organizations, the government decided to gradually expand the program. By October 2027, all 13 laboratories will be performing the test, ensuring screening for all children born in England. This will apply to approximately 560,000–570,000 newborns each year.
Spinal muscular atrophy is diagnosed in approximately one in 10,000 children. Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to severe complications and death within the first two years of life. At the same time, early diagnosis allows gene therapy to begin before serious symptoms appear, which significantly improves the prognosis.
Testing will be conducted using a standard heel prick blood test, which is performed on infants on the fifth day after birth. This same test is already used to detect a number of other hereditary diseases.
One of the most prominent advocates for the introduction of universal screening is former Little Mix member Jessie Nelson, whose twin daughters were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. The singer credited the government’s decision to a long-standing campaign for early detection of the disease.
This was reported by The Guardian, citing the country’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
As a reminder, elevated levels of vitamin C in the blood may be linked to better brain health in older adults.
Previously, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed an innovative method for growing lab-grown meat from living cells.
Scientists in the U.S. have proposed a space shield to protect against solar storms.
