EU project finds gene causing childhood asthma

An EU-funded project has identified a previously unknown gene that increases the risk of children developing asthma. Scientists had only been able to come up with treatments for the symptoms of the condition. But new developments in genomics and bioinformatics have allowed the team to compare genetic markers in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. The discovery of the gene ORMDL3 could lead to improved prevention and diagnosis of asthma, and possibly a new therapy.