Africa's first commercial DNA biobank
We look at the challenges with collecting DNA and medical breakthroughs that might ensue.
We look at the challenges with collecting DNA and medical breakthroughs that might ensue. Dr Abasi Ene-Obong is founder of 54gene, a Nigerian company which is building Africa's first commercial DNA biobank, and tells us how it could help in the search for cures for diseases affecting millions of sub-Saharan Africans, such as sickle cell disease. And professor Adetokunbo Fabanwo, chief medical officer of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital explains why it's hoped more medicines can be produced locally in Africa, in order to cut prices and speed up access to new treatments. Also in the programme, Apple is launching its new TV streaming service, with a host of new shows. Dexter Thillien of Fitch Solutions assesses how likely it is that the new service will catch on. Plus on World Vegan Day we look at the growing popularity of vegan food with Dominika Piasecka of the Vegan Society.
(Picture: An artist's impression of DNA. Picture credit: Science Photo Library.)
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- Fri 1 Nov 2019 15:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Australasia, East Asia & South Asia