to carry out tests on monkeys. "With something like cystic fibrosis, there is evidence that damage to the lungs starts in the womb. If we can treat the problem before that starts, that is where it is going to have the most benefit," Dr Waddington said.

such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.But in contrast to previous examinations, the test will take just weeks to put together and is said to be capable of detecting the trace of almost any condition.It could even enable scientists

Brown wept as she watched her husband's interview from the audience. The PM, who is dad to sons John, 7, and Fraser, 3, also spoke of his heartbreak that Fraser may have a poor life expectancy because he suffers from cystic fibrosis. "We sometimes ask

Also known as the Guthrie test, this checks for certain rare diseases, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and phenylketonuria (PKU, an enzyme deficiency that prevents the normal breakdown of protein foods).For the test, your baby’s foot is pricked

Neonatal Screening Test) checks for certain rare diseases, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, phenylketonuria (PKU – an enzyme deficiency that prevents the normal breakdown of protein foods), Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency

, for cystic fibrosis.Your midwife will visit you at home for the first 10 days after the birth, so this is the time to raise any concerns you may have about either your health or your baby’s.Your body after birthMidwife Yvonne Faulkner on your body after