Caught on camera: 3D images give early warning of genetic disorders

Noonan syndrome affects one in 2,500 children. Symptoms include learning difficulties, malformed hearts, short stature and poor blood clotting. They develop distinctive facial features with wide-set, bulging eyes, broad foreheads and an extra fold of skin at the corner of the eye Photograph: American Journal of Human Genetics

Smith-Magenis syndrome affects one in 25,000 children who have an abnormality on chromosome 17 which alters the shape of the head, giving a prominent forehead, a broad nose and protruding jaw. They suffer mental impairment, sleep disorders and behavioural problems Photograph: American Journal of Human Genetics

Williams syndrome affects one in 15,000 children who are often described as having an elfin appearance, with short, upturned noses and small jaws. Many experience mental impairment, language difficulties and heart problems. The children often have other distinctive traits, such as an unusually warm personality, and are also more likely to have perfect pitch Photograph: American Journal of Human Genetics