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The ‘eureka’ moment that revolutionised crime solving
In 1984, Alec Jeffreys developed the technique of DNA fingerprinting in his laboratory at the University of Leicester. These techniques have revolutionised the way that the police solve crimes. From...
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Tracking ‘superbugs’
Infectious diseases can spread quickly in a hospital environment, particularly if the pathogen that causes the disease is resistant to the drugs relied on to fight it. Genomics may be able to help...
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DNA sequencing
This 3D animation shows the basic steps in the method of DNA sequencing that was used during the Human Genome Project. This 3D animation shows you how scientists during the Human Genome Project read...
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What is a GMO?
Topic: Animals and PlantsGMOs are organisms that have had their characteristics changed through the modification of their DNA. GMO stands for genetically modified organism. Genetically modified (GM)...
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What is genome editing?
Topic: Methods and TechnologyGenome editing is a way of making specific changes to the DNA of a cell or organism. An enzyme cuts the DNA at a specific sequence, and when this is repaired by the cell a...
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What is a genome?
Topic: In the CellA genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build that organism and allow it to grow and develop. Our bodies...
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Direct-to-consumer testing
Have you ever wanted to know more about your genetic make-up? Direct-to-consumer testing is now making this possible through tests you can order online. But is there a more serious side to us having...
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How are sequenced genomes stored and shared?
Topic: Methods and TechnologyAfter a genome has been sequenced, assembled and annotated it needs to be shared in a format that is easily and freely accessible to all. This can be done via a database...
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You vs. Machine
Are you faster than a machine? Compete against the computer to sequence DNA from a capillary sequencing machine.Launch You vs. MachineIn You vs. Machine you get the chance to compete against a...
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What is Covid-19?
Topic: Targeting DiseaseCoronavirus disease 2019, often called Covid, or Covid-19, is a new viral disease which caused a global pandemic from the end of 2019 into the 2020s.Covid-19 causes many...
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What are Covid-19 variants and why is genomic surveillance of them important?
Topic: Targeting DiseaseCovid variants arise when mutations in SARS-CoV-2 virus affect how infectious or deadly it is. Genomic surveillance helps track new variants and their impact.What is a variant –...
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Genomic surveillance in action
Genomic surveillance is not new, but developments in the availability, speed and cost of technology mean it has become an essential tool in tackling epidemics. Here are three short case histories,...
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What is Genomic Surveillance?
Topic: Targeting DiseaseGenomic surveillance involves sequencing the genetic material of pathogens and identifying changes linked to the origins or characteristics of a disease. What is genomic...
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How do we use CRISPR gene editing to study diseases?
Topic: Methods and TechnologyCRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing tool used to alter specific sequences of DNA in a cell. It has many uses both in research and in helping us understand disease.Many...
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Sequencing technologies: past, present and future
Topic: Methods and TechnologyThe sequencing field is fast changing, with new technologies allowing dramatic drop in the cost of sequencing while improving data quality and accessibility.1970-2000Over...
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What is Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing?
Topic: Methods and TechnologyOxford Nanopore Technology developed third generation sequencers that are portable, able to sequence DNA in remote locations and produce ultra-long reads.How does ONT work?...
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Unsung heroes of science: Marie Maynard Daly
Marie Maynard Daly, the first Black woman in the US to receive a PhD in chemistry, worked on nucleic acids, cholesterol links to heart disease and protein synthesis.Historically, women have faced many...
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Unsung heroes in science: Barbara McClintock
Barbara McClintock was a pioneering geneticist who discovered that genes can ‘jump’. This discovery led to her receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983.Early lifeTags: Biography
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Unsung heroes in science: Henrietta Lacks
While not a scientist, the first successful line of human cells grown in a lab came from a cancer sample from Henrietta, and have become instrumental in biological research.Henrietta’s story has also...
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Giants in genomics: Jennifer Doudna
Jennifer Anne Doudna is a biochemist who won the Nobel Prize for her work in developing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology.Jennifer Anne Doudna is a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who led the...
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Unsung heroes in science: Margaret Hamilton
Margaret Hamilton was a computer scientist who spearheaded software engineering whilst working at NASA during the Apollo missions.It's 20th July 1969, and the world watches as the Eagle approaches the...
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What is bioinformatics and how do we use it?
Topic: Methods and TechnologyBioinformatics is the science of both storing lots of complex biological data, and of analysing it to find new insights, which we use in many different ways.What is...
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What is RNA?
Topic: In the CellRNA is a nucleic acid similar to DNA, but with only a single, helical strand of bases. It plays a key role in turning DNA instructions into functional proteins.Ribonucleic acid, or...
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What is RNA sequencing?
Topic: Methods and TechnologyRNA sequencing is a technique used to identify the sequence of the bases that make up a molecule of RNA.RNA sequencing lets us discover more about which genes are expressed...
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What is RNA splicing?
Topic: Methods and TechnologySplicing occurs during protein synthesis, and involves cutting out and rearranging sections of mRNA.Before mRNA is used as instructions to make a protein, it can be cut...
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