Three mouthfuls of letters - RNAi, IPSCs and GWAS - encompass the hottest research topics in biomedical science today. The three technologies could revolutionise healthcare in the coming decades, although they are at different stages of development.

RNAi or RNA interference offers a way to switch off genes - with immense therapeutic implications. IPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) may be even more important, as the gateway to regenerative medicine. GWAS (genome-wide association studies) are beginning to identify the genes responsible, along with environmental factors, for complex common diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart problems.