Biobanks

Biobanks are DNA databases, that deal with the collection, storage and use of samples for research and experiments. Sample donors continue to be monitored - especially their health and lifestyle - and scientists hope that in the future they will be able to  find a link between environmental influences and the development of certain diseases. Bianks are usually affiliated with universities, hospitals or non-profit organizations. We can find them today, for example, in Great Britain (over 500,000 samples stored), Scotland,Germany or  Iceland.

Storage of samples
Samples are stored in relatively complex systems that prevent their physical or chemical degradation.40,000 samples can be stored in one system. The storage temperature is around −80° C. The protection of personal data of individual donors is also a matter of course. In addition to their DNA, the facilities are also authorized to store their clinical reports.

Importance of biobanks
The information obtained from this project should be used in the detection of many diseases - tumor growth, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia and many others. However, the disadvantage is the long-term nature of the entire project. Patients must be observed for at least another 10 years, rather longer, in order to obtain the first conclusions.

Negative arguments
Nevertheless, there are many counter-arguments and opponent of this idea. The project is very expensive and its opponents argue that it will only lead to very general conclusions. They perceive monitoring of changes in specific cases as more effective, more in depth.