By Sam Elliott-Gibbs Researchers have identified a previously unknown genetic mutation that provides significant protection against Parkinson’s and could produce new medical treatments for the debilitating condition. The previously unidentified mutation in small protein is rare and generally found in people of European descent but can halve the chances of developing the disease. The variant, located in a mitochondrial microprotein dubbed SHLP2, was found in a previous study to be associated with protection from ageing-related diseases, including cancer. The condition affects around 153,000 peo…