What is the UK Biobank and why is it so important?

The UK Biobank is a huge database of information that can be used by scientists and researchers looking at health and disease.

'Since 2006, UK Biobank has collected an unprecedented amount of biological and medical data on half a million people, aged between 40 and 69 years old and living in the UK, as part of a large-scale prospective study. With their consent they regularly provide blood, urine and saliva samples, as well as detailed information about their lifestyle which is then linked to their health-related records to provide a deeper understanding of how individuals experience diseases.'

This database is hugely important in informing research into common and life-threatening diseases, helping to uncover risks, causes and potential treatments. It is the biggest and richest data bank of its kind and makes a vital contribution to public health.

Some of the research that is currently being undertaken using the UK Biobank includes:

• Cholesterol and blood poisoning - the story unfolds
• Diet, body fat and brain health: a multi-organ imaging study in the UK Biobank
• Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity each linked to unhealthy brains

Read more about the UK Biobank