Where biomedical science meets storytelling
Stories in Our Genes uses interactive fiction to help people understand inherited diseases, not just memorise facts about them.
Why this project exists
Facts about genetic diseases are often hard to picture and easy to forget. Stories are not. When you become a red blood cell and feel what happens when it sickles, the science sticks.
The series starts with sickle cell disease because it is one of the most common inherited conditions in Ghana and across Africa, and because myths about it still cause real harm. Each future chapter will explore another inherited condition.
How to use this site
- Play the story and read the science notes on each screen.
- Take the quiz to check your understanding.
- Explore the Inheritance Lab and the blood flow simulation.
- Share what you learned with friends and family.
Teachers and youth leaders are welcome to use it in class or workshops. It works on phones and needs no sign-up.
How the science was checked
All characters and events in the stories are fictional. The science is summarised from the trusted public health sources below. Wherever possible, it has been reviewed for accuracy.
Privacy
- There are no accounts and no sign-ups.
- Your story progress and quiz scores are saved only in your own browser on your device.
- We count anonymous events (page views, stories started and finished, quiz scores) to understand how the site is used. We do not store names, IP addresses or health information.
- The feedback form is anonymous. Emails or phone numbers typed into it are removed automatically.
Medical disclaimer
This website is for education only and is not medical advice. It does not replace a doctor, nurse or other health professional. If you have health questions or symptoms, please speak to a qualified health worker.