Should all babies have their genome sequenced at birth?
Tue Feb 03 2026
This week we’re looking at government plans to start sequencing the DNA of every newborn baby in England within the next decade.
Each newborn would undergo whole genome sequencing to assess their risk of hundreds of diseases, under NHS plans.
It promises a revolution in spotting disease early - but are there also risks?
And use of nicotine pouches is rising, especially among young men.
But these little sachets that fit under the top lip aren’t yet regulated – so what do we know about the potential harms?
Finally, as the cold weather continues, James gets a lesson in walking like a penguin to see if it helps avoid trips, slips and falls…
Presenter: James Gallagher
Producers: Tom Bonnett, Alice-Lipscombe-Southwell and Thomas Hunt
Production coordinator: Stuart Laws
Content editor: Ilan Goodman
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This week we’re looking at government plans to start sequencing the DNA of every newborn baby in England within the next decade. Each newborn would undergo whole genome sequencing to assess their risk of hundreds of diseases, under NHS plans. It promises a revolution in spotting disease early - but are there also risks? And use of nicotine pouches is rising, especially among young men. But these little sachets that fit under the top lip aren’t yet regulated – so what do we know about the potential harms? Finally, as the cold weather continues, James gets a lesson in walking like a penguin to see if it helps avoid trips, slips and falls… Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Tom Bonnett, Alice-Lipscombe-Southwell and Thomas Hunt Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Content editor: Ilan Goodman