The Viking Genes team has been studying the genetic makeup of Scottish islanders, discovering new insights into the genetic history of the Scottish islands and where their ancestors came from.

In doing so, the team’s research has identified that many of the island populations have their own unique gene pools, revealing that certain disease-causing variants are found more commonly in some island communities than elsewhere in the UK.

Armed with this knowledge, the team works carefully to return results to those individuals who have been identified with a higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions, allowing for earlier intervention and preventative surgeries.

Because of this, several islanders have been treated to remove cancers they didn’t know they had, whilst others have opted for preventative surgery to reduce their risk of developing cancer later in life.

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