The face is the mirror … of the genes

There are more than 700 genetic disorders that cause subtle alterations in children's facial features. Down syndrome is the most obvious case, but there are others much less frequent and difficult to perceive even for a doctor, such as Noonan syndrome (wide-based or downward-slanted eyes) or Smith Magenis syndrome (flat nose and raised upper lip).

That is why Professor Peter Hammond of the London Institute of Children's Health has made use of 3D digital photography to create computer software that analyzes up to 25,000 points on a child's face to diagnose or rule out certain genetic disorders. When facial features make us suspect a specific genetic disorder, a molecular test is carried out to confirm it. In this way, a faster and cheaper diagnosis is achieved, said Hammond in his speech at the British Festival of Science (BA Festival of Science), which these days is held at the University of York.

BA Festival of Science 2007 (http://www.the-ba.net/)