Since the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology was first described, it has taken the world by storm. read more
Gene drive is a powerful technique for ensuring that a particular genetic trait is inherited by all descendants. read more
We’ve previously heard conflicting views about whether metabolically-healthy obesity exists – i.e. whether we can be fat but fit. A … read more
Human genome editing, 3D-printed replacement organs and artificial photosynthesis – the field of bioengineering offers great promise for tackling the … read more
New research and technologies are providing unique opportunities that have the potential to transform many farming practices. read more
Climate change is already having an impact on health around the world, impacting on labour productivity, the spread of infectious disease and exposure to air pollution and heatwaves, and affecting countries worldwide, according to the first report of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. read more
The row over chlorine washed chickens earlier this year was prompted by concerns that following Brexit the UK will be forced into trade deals with countries with lower food safety and animal welfare standards than the EU. read more
The great storm hit the UK on 15 and 16 October 1987, killing 18 people and causing £1bn in damage. Why did we fail to forecast it? Would things be different if it happened again? Does it even matter? read more
Building on Sally Davies’s vision for integrating genomics into every aspect of the NHS, Dr. Sullivan can discuss some of the latest genomics and population-based genomic analysis is starting to play in understanding the genetic determinants of Alzheimer’s disease. read more
16 years ago, there were no new TB vaccines being tested in clinical trials, despite a huge global burden of disease. Over the last 16 years there has been significant progress and we now have a pipeline of ~12 candidates being tested in human clinical trials. read more
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and British Geological Survey (BGS) will announce plans for a multi-million-pound geological research facility to be built in Cheshire. read more
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a form of learning difficulty, has received little recognition amongst the public or medical community yet it is extremely common, has a lifelong impact and there are interventions that can help. read more
The Lightning Process is a controversial treatment that is sometimes used for children with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). read more
Last year, Kathy Niakan, a developmental biologist at the Francis Crick Institute, was the first UK scientist to be given the go-ahead by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to use genome-editing techniques on human embryos. Kathy’s research aims to understand aspects of the basic biology of early human embryo development and the role of specific genes. read more
Scientists from the Met Office presented their latest data on global temperatures – including evidence which suggests the ‘slowdown’ in global surface temperatures has come to an end, and that temperature rise has recently accelerated again. read more
People have always been exposed to ionising radiation, and more so in modern life thanks to its uses in medicine, industry and the military. The health risks from medium- and high-level radiation are relatively well-understood, but the risks at low levels are debated, and mixed messages about safety from different sources are confusing for both the public and for policy makers. read more
It is still controversial to say that the mind and body can strongly affect each other, but recent research has shown how the mind can impact on physical diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes and there is growing excitement in how the immune system may have a role in some mental illness. read more
Up to 20% of people attending medical clinics are actually suffering from health anxiety, where people are excessively worried about their health, and the numbers seem to be rising. read more
Households account for between a quarter and a third of total energy use in the UK. Improving their energy efficiency … read more
Invasive alien species cost the world billions of dollars every year, threatening native species and biodiversity as well as human health and the way ecosystems work. read more
