Scientists Discover The Gene For Hartnup Disorder

Australian scientists have discovered the gene for Hartnup disorder, which stops people from digesting food properly. Hartnup disorder affects a small number of Australians. The most serious symptom is increased sun sensitivity, which can lead to skin rashes and cancer. Doctors from Sydney's Centenary Institute report in today's issue of Nature Genetics that they found the gene after studying seven Australian families. They say the discovery gives them crucial new information about how the human body works. Professor John Rasko from the Centenary Institute says scientists have been searching for the cause of the illness for more than 50 years.