Experts to Lift the Lid on the Future of Genetic Science at Free Event at the International Centre for Life
Historic breakthroughs in genetic science alongside the latest developments in healthcare will be under the microscope at a free after-hours event at Life on Thursday 19 June.
The DNA Dialogues: The Future in our Genes, is the latest event to mark Life’s milestone 25th anniversary, and will also offer guests a chance to get hands-on and extract their own DNA.
Professor Sir John Burn, who has a long association with Life and is also a leading authority on the genetics of cancer, will be part of an informal panel discussion on future innovations and how they could redefine healthcare.
He will be joined by:
· Dr Lorraine Cowley, Principal Genetic Counsellor at the NHS Northern Genetics Service, based at Life, who researches inherited diseases
· Professor Volker Straub, Director of the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, also based at Life
· Professor of Molecular Pathology, Laura Greaves, from Newcastle University’s Biosciences Institute, whose research is focused on how ageing affects mitochondria, the energy producers in cells.
The panel will explore how our understanding of genetic links to disease and cancers has shaped the way we care for patients and if personalised medicine for all is a possibility.
Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon has been part of the leadership team since the project’s inception. She said: “When Life opened in 2000, genetic science was arousing interest but also ethical concerns, with fears over genetic testing, eugenics and the ethical implications of altering human DNA.
“Since then, progress has been dramatic, with many breakthroughs happening at Life. The research and patient treatments undertaken by Newcastle University and the NHS have earned international recognition.
“Looking ahead, genetic science is poised to be transformative, with advancements leading to more personalised medicine and targeted treatments for rare diseases. Breakthroughs in gene editing, like CRISPR technology, are likely to revolutionise healthcare.
“It promises to be an entertaining and informative evening, with a great line up of speakers and it’s free because we want to make this special debate accessible to everyone.”
Doors open at 6.30pm when guests can also take part in a range of genetic activities including extracting their own DNA, examining their cheek cells under a microscope, making a DNA sequence bracelet and running a technique similar to electrophoresis - a laboratory technique for separating strands of DNA - before the discussion starts at 7.30pm
There is limited capacity for the event and for more details visit https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-dna-dialogue/
