Genetic testing; Pugs on treadmills; Frankenstein
What areas of medicine will benefit from genetic testing? Plus pugs on a treadmill - the veterinary surgeons attempting to cure breathing problems in short-nosed dogs.
What can genome science do for you? Chief Medical officer Dame Sally Davies recently published her annual report, issuing a plea for a revolution in the use of genetic information in the NHS. She wants DNA tests to be as routine as biopsies or blood tests. Adam chats to geneticist Ewan Birney, head of the European Bioinformatics Institute in Hinxton, about the potential uses and limitations of genetic testing.
Pugs are set to become Britain's most popular breed in the next couple of years. Together with similar dogs, like bulldogs and Frenchies, they are classed 'brachycephalic', having short snouts and compact skulls which makes them susceptible to a breathing problems. Veterinary surgeon Jane Ladlow has studied 1,000 dogs to improve their health today and in future generations. Reporter Graihagh Jackson went to visit the team at Cambridge Veterinary School.
To mark the forthcoming 200th anniversary of the publication of Frankenstein, a new edition has been created especially for scientists and engineers. Adam talks to editor David Guston, from Arizona State University about the lessons this cautionary tale contains for science today.
Presenter: Adam Rutherford
Producer: Michelle Martin.
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- Thu 13 Jul 2017 16:30±«Óãtv Radio 4
- Thu 13 Jul 2017 21:00±«Óãtv Radio 4
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