Welcome to GeneWatch UK
GeneWatch UK is a not-for-profit group that monitors developments in genetic technologies from a public interest, human rights, environmental protection and animal welfare perspective. GeneWatch believes people should have a voice in whether or how these technologies are used and campaigns for safeguards for people, animals and the environment. We work on all aspects of genetic technologies - from GM crops and foods to genetic testing of humans.
Topics
- The UK Police National DNA Database
If your DNA is on the database, visit the Reclaim your DNA website.
The DNA proposals in the Crime and Security Bill were debated by MPs on Monday 18th January. You can read the debate here. You can see how your MP voted here. GeneWatch UK has published a briefing on the Bill, a submission to the Home Affairs Committee, containing facts and figures.
- Genes and Marketing
A new study in the British Medical Journal has reported that that genetic testing provides no real help in predicting the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease. The British Heart Foundation has advised people not to buy genetic home screening tests for type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
The Times has reported the difficulties being faced by companies attempting to market gene tests to sceptical consumers.
The 'Respiragene' genetic test, which claims to identify individuals at high genetic risk for lung cancer, has been criticised as "bad science" by geneticists. An investigation by GeneWatch uncovered a signed research contract between British American Tobacco (BAT) and Respiragene's Director, Dr Rob Young, at Auckland University. However, Dr Young has informed us that this contract was cancelled and no funds were used. Read the New York Times report.
- GM Crops and Food
The Mail on Sunday Scotland has reported that the UK Government plans to use a new public engagement exercise led by the Food Standard Agency to revive the fortunes of GM crops in Britain.
The Royal Society has called for more investment in GM crop research in a new report. GeneWatch UK questions claims that investing more R&D money in developing new GM crops will really 'feed the world' and be sustainable. Read GeneWatch UK's press release and submissions to the Royal Society study on food-crop production and to the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council). GeneWatch argues that governments need better ways to decide research funding priorities.
- Genes and Health
Read GeneWatch UK's response to the call for a debate on genetic information.
- GM Contamination Register
An on-line database of incidents of GM contamination, illegal releases and adverse agricultural side-effects run by GeneWatch UK and Greenpeace.
- Genetic Modification and Agrofuels
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has launched a consultation on new forms of industrial-scale biofuels (agrofuels), including the use of genetic modification (GM) and synthetic biology (synbio). The consultation deadline is 15th March 2010. You can read GeneWatch's report on GM agrofuels here.