Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) method that could unlock a research ‘treasure trove’ of cancer genomes from billions of preserved tissue samples stored routinely at hospitals over decades.

People in the UK will for the first time have their entire genetic code read from samples taken at a GP practice as part of a pioneering study to assess the potential benefits of screening for gene faults that increase the risk of disease.

UK scientists now have access to a new kind of next-generation genome sequencer - NovaSeq - which could revolutionise their research to defeat cancer.