A new installation in London invites visitors to step inside a swirling visualisation of 3.2 billion DNA characters, aiming to raise awareness about the vital role our unique genetic makeup plays in health and wellbeing.
A captivating installation has been revealed at The Outernet’s Now Trending building in London, crafted to demonstrate the impact of DNA and genomes on our health. This entrancing imagery scrolls through 3.2 billion characters – a visual representation of our genetic makeup. The mesmerising display is designed to allow individuals to ‘stand inside their insides’.
The genome, which is the complete set of genetic material in a human body that influences our appearance, functionality, and health, including future health risks, is unique to each individual. Shockingly, research has revealed that 67 per cent of Brits are clueless about what a genome is.
The study also showed many Brits lack basic knowledge about their own bodies and health, such as their weight or height. Alarmingly, less than half of the population know their usual blood pressure reading and couldn’t even tell you their blood type.
This visual installation and research was commissioned by Bupa to coincide with the launch of its Medication Check – the latest addition to its expanding range of DNA Health Tests. The test aims to show how our individual DNA affects our response to different medications, with the goal of minimising trial and error when prescribing drugs, reducing side effects and helping people recover faster.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK, said: “Our genetic makeup influences everything from disease risk to how we respond to medication, and it’s key to helping us live well for longer, but it’s hard to grasp how important it is when we can’t see it.
“Our installation makes the invisible visible. Our DNA is as unique as we are, which is why we need a personalised approach to our health. This is the future of healthcare.
“We want to empower people with the information to make healthy choices and seek help early, rather than burying their heads in the sand.”
The installation follows a pilot scheme by Bupa, which saw 2,200 adults undergo whole genome sequencing to analyse how their individual DNA responds to common medicines. A shocking 99 per cent displayed a genetic variant that affects their sensitivity to certain medicines, meaning some over the counter painkillers, antibiotics and other prescription medications would either have reduced effectiveness or wouldn’t work at all.
The pilot also examined the genetic risk of developing 36 preventable diseases, including cancers, heart conditions and type 2 diabetes. It discovered that 91 per cent of participants were at risk of developing a disease with genetic and lifestyle risk factors, such as fatty liver disease, breast cancer and certain heart diseases.
Meanwhile, 73 per cent had multiple genetic variants that put them at increased risk of developing a condition that could be prevented or detected early leading to better health outcomes, including high cholesterol, skin cancer and type 2 diabetes. And 49 per cent were found to be carriers of a genetic variant that could lead to raised risk of certain conditions in future generations.
Despite this, separate research of 2,000 adults revealed 37 per cent admitted to burying their head in the sand when it comes to their health, with many claiming ‘ignorance is bliss’. Nearly half have never spoken to family members about conditions they could be at higher risk of, or even their history of illnesses. While 26 per cent of.
According to a survey conducted by OnePoll, many individuals have been avoiding routine health screenings. The most common reason for neglecting their health, cited by 39 per cent of respondents, is the fear of what they might discover.
Meanwhile, 28 per cent find it too overwhelming. Alarmingly, 35 per cent of those who confessed to ignoring their health admitted that this had resulted in conditions going unnoticed or undiagnosed for longer than necessary.
Dr Rebecca Rohrer, clinical innovation and genomics director for Bupa, said: “While it can seem like ill-health might be an unavoidable part of life, this is often not the case. Learning more about our DNA is key to early detection and even preventing some illnesses altogether.
“Our future health can seem like something we don’t need to think about now – but understanding how our body responds to medicine, as well as any family history of cancer, diabetes and other genetic diseases can help us take early action.”