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

  • Research Agendas and Patenting

    Read GeneWatch UK's report about science funding and the biotech economy

  • Genes and Health

    Read GeneWatch's history of the claims that everyone should have their genome sequenced to allow common diseases to be predicted and prevented. An article in Newsweek explains the latest scientific papers showing that genes are poor predictors of such diseases.

    The Sunday Times has exposed that some hospitals are storing millions of babies blood spots for 18 or more years. Originally taken to perform useful health tests at birth, the blood spots could be misused in future to sequence the genome of every baby, as was proposed by the Labour Government in 2003.

  • The UK Police National DNA Database

    If your DNA is on the database, visit the Reclaim your DNA website.

    Read the new GeneWatch UK briefing The DNA database: what next?.

  • Genes and Marketing

    A major US investigation of genetic testing companies has uncovered misleading and inconsistent claims being made about people's genetic risk of common diseases, including cancer.

    The European Commission has announced a consultation on regulation of medical tests, including genetic tests: deadline 15th September 2010. The US FDA has said that it will now regulate such tests and prevent misleading claims about genetic risk of diseases being sold online or in shops and pharmacies.

    Read GeneWatch's response to proposals by the Human Genetics Commission to implement only voluntary guidelines for companies selling tests in the UK.

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  • 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

    You can read GeneWatch's report on GM agrofuels here.

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