Innovators

23andMe is a privately held personal genomics and biotechnology company. It provides people with access to their own genetic data. Individuals use this service to get personalized information about their health and ancestry. This information empowers them to be more involved in managing their own health, and can lead to the preventing of dieseases.

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Many pathologies or severe disabilities require a specific type of patient support. The French Muscular Dystrophy Association was a pioneer in identifying this need. In 1988, using Telethon donations, it created a new profession to meet this need: the facilitator.

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ISCGT stands for the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy of Cancer. This society focuses on scientific collaboration with people around the world to develop the use of cellular and gene therapy for cancer.

"The ISCGT is totally unique as it works closely with national societies and organisations, in close collaboration with local clinicians, to promote cell and gene therapies for cancer."

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"Experts hope to create an IVF baby who is a genetic match for its sick sibling, in order to use the infant's umbilical cord blood cells in a life-saving transplant.

An unnamed couple, believed to be in their late 20s or early 30s, are due to start treatment at the private Care At The Park Hospital in Nottingham soon to create the test-tube baby.

Bosses at their local NHS Primary Care Trust - which holds the purse-strings on health service budgets - have agreed to fund one attempt.

This will cost around £4,000, but experts say four to five attempts could be needed to ensure they get a baby who is a genetic match."