Forget simple 'gene-for-this' conditions - scientists can now scan the entire genome to find the many genes that have a small effect on common conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Some hope these studies will lead to better drug treatments, more accurate risk predictions and even personalised medicine. But is this likely, or even desirable? And what might the negative consequences of such studies be?

The Wellcome Debate explored the claims, hope and hype surrounding the 'new genetics', and asked: to what extent will whole genome screening shape the future of medicine? Will babies have their genomes sequenced at birth, as some scientists claim? Will we be prescribed medicines personalised to our own unique genetic profiles? The debate also explored the potentially harmful consequences of unravelling our genetic code, including issues of privacy, ethics and ownership.

Watch video interviews with the speakers, who put their cases for where research and investment should best be concentrated for the benefit of all.

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  Caroline Wright

  Head of Science, Public Health Genetics Foundation

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  Peter Donnelly

  Director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics

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  Helen Wallace

  Executive Director of Genewatch UK