STUDENTS at an Oxford school unravelled the science behind DNA during an ‘invaluable’ visit.

Scientists visited St Gregory the Great school in Cowley yesterday, explaining how genetic makeup can dictate human traits - including if someone hates Brussels sprouts.

The visit launched a week of school activities run by Oxford NHS Genomic Medicine Centre, to help inspire youngsters interested in a career in healthcare science.

Jennifer Whitfield, who organised the schools sessions, said: “Oxford is a real hub for medical research.

“It’s important to make young people in our local area aware – in a fun, accessible and interactive way - of the amazing things we now know as a result of our knowledge of genetics.”

Paul Wileman, assistant principal at St Greg’s, said: “Our pupils are hard-working and dedicated and these are the sorts of careers that we’d like to expose them to...This is invaluable for giving them some aspiration.” Later this week the team will visit Henry Box School in Witney, Didcot Girls School and Cheney School in Oxford.