The Eagle Pub, Cambridge
25 April 2003
The second Cambridge sciBAr was held in the Eagle pub on 25th April. The topic was ‘Genes Direct: Genetic Testing Kits’ and was held as part of the DNA 50 celebrations.
Our speaker was Alastair Kent, Director of the Genetic Information Group (GIG) and member of the Human Genetics Commission (HGC). Alistair does not have
a formal scientific background, which he was happy to share with the audience, and we believe this encouraged a lot more comments throughout the evening. He gave an interesting talk about what over-the-counter genetic testing kits can and can’t do and what we should expect from them in the future. He also emphasised the point that lifestyle factors are equally important – whether you have a gene for a particular disease is not the only deciding factor in whether you will develop it. Alastair stated that more legislation is needed on over the counter genetic testing kits.
The venue was very busy with a mixed bunch of pub regulars, DNA 50 celebration attendees and local BA members and the discussion was lively and interesting. We’re looking forward to running further sciBArs at the Eagle!