British Science Week 2026: The questions that shape our lives

Each year, British Science Week – organised by the British Science Association – celebrates the role that science plays in shaping our lives.

The 2026 theme, “Curiosity: what’s your question?”, highlights a simple but powerful truth: every scientific advancement begins with a question.

While British Science Week celebrates curiosity in all its forms, many important questions people ask relate to family, health, and personal wellbeing; areas where modern-day laboratory science plays a vital role.

• Is this child biologically mine?
• Will my baby be a boy or a girl?
• Has this person been using drugs or alcohol?
• Could my genes put me at risk of certain health conditions?

At AlphaBiolabs, these complex biological questions are translated into clear, evidence-based answers through accredited DNA, drug, alcohol and genetic health testing.

How questions become evidence  

Asking a question is only the beginning. In science, answers must be measurable, repeatable and supported by data.

All laboratory testing follows the same fundamental principle:

• Define the question clearly
• Analyse samples using validated techniques
• Interpret results using established scientific data
• Report findings objectively and transparently

This structured approach ensures that results are not based on assumption or opinion, but on evidence.

Whether analysing DNA to confirm a biological relationship, identifying drugs or alcohol biomarkers within a biological sample, or examining genetic variants linked to health conditions, the process is rooted in the same disciplined scientific methodology.

Questions about family

For anyone curious or unsure about biological relationships, DNA testing can play a vital part in answering long-standing questions.

For many families, these questions can be sensitive and emotionally complex:

• Is this child biologically related to me?
• Are my twins identical or not?
• Are we full or half siblings?

By analysing specific genetic markers inherited from biological parents, laboratories can determine whether individuals are related.

In legal settings, including family court proceedings, robust DNA evidence can also play an important role in supporting fair and informed decisions.

Questions about drug and alcohol use

For others, the concern may relate to substance use. For example:

• Has someone recently used drugs?
• Is alcohol consumption within agreed limits?
• How far back can substance use be detected?

Different types of drug and alcohol tests provide different detection windows. For example, hair and nail testing can give a longer-term view of drug or alcohol use (up to 12 months), while blood, urine, and oral fluid tests are typically used to identify more recent use.

Using sensitive screening and confirmatory techniques, laboratories can detect and identify substances with a high degree of accuracy. This type of testing is frequently relied upon in family law matters, workplace settings and safeguarding cases, where objective evidence is essential.

Questions about genetic health

Sometimes, the question relates to personal wellbeing.

Genetic health testing can help individuals understand whether certain gene variations may influence how their body functions.

For example:

• Genetic lactose intolerance testing can identify gene variants linked to primary lactose intolerance, a condition in which the body produces reduced levels of lactase in adulthood.
• Coeliac genetic testing can determine whether an individual carries the specific gene variants associated with an increased risk of developing coeliac disease.

These tests do not diagnose a condition on their own, but they can help rule out or confirm genetic predisposition and support discussions with healthcare professionals.

Questions during pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring a different set of questions.

• From around 10 weeks of gestation, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can be used to analyse small fragments of foetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood to screen for certain chromosomal conditions.

  Unlike invasive diagnostic procedures, this method poses no risk of miscarriage, making it a safer screening option for many expectant parents.

• Undoubtedly one of the biggest questions during pregnancy – and one many expectant parents are keen to answer as soon as possible – is whether the baby will be a boy or a girl.

  Advances in DNA testing mean it’s now possible to find out the sex of a baby from as soon as 6 weeks into pregnancy, with only a small blood sample from the mother required. With no invasive procedures necessary, the baby gender test is 100% safe for mum and baby, allowing families to start preparing for their new arrival long before the usual 20-week ultrasound scan.

Although all these tests serve different purposes, they share the same foundation: applying advanced genetic science to provide clear, reliable information at important moments.

Choosing a testing laboratory you can trust

When seeking DNA, drug, alcohol or genetic health testing, it’s important to choose a provider that offers:

• UKAS-accredited laboratory standards
• Court-approved testing for legal matters (where legally admissible results are required)
• Experienced in-house geneticists and toxicologists
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Nationwide sample collection options

AlphaBiolabs has more than 20 years’ experience delivering DNA, drug, alcohol and health testing services across the UK.

With numerous accreditations and certifications, including UKAS 17025 accreditation, an ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating, a UK-wide network of walk-in centres, trained sample collectors, and a customer-first approach, you can be confident that your test will be handled with professionalism, discretion and scientific rigour.

From uncertainty to clarity  

This year’s British Science Week encourages us to ask questions.

In reality, many of life’s most important questions arise unexpectedly, and demand clear, reliable answers.

To learn more about AlphaBiolabs’ full range of DNA, drug, alcohol and genetic health testing services, explore our website, or contact our friendly, knowledgeable team on 0333 600 1300 / info@alphabiolabs.com.