Human Genetics Features
The GLP tackles innovations in human genetics and biotechnology. We highlight the work of our own writers, as well as that of contributors from around the Web. The GLP does not take a position on genetics-related issues; any opinions expressed belong to the authors.
Categories include:
- CRISPR and gene editing
- Gene therapy
- Stem cell research
- Genetic diseases
- Synthetic biology
- Epigenetics
- Biodrugs (pharmacogenetics)
- Personal genomics
- Ancestry and evolution
- Ethics and regulations
Tale of two sites: Science communication pitfalls covering Alzheimer’s drug
The same drug trial has been covered in completely different ways by various news outlets. It serves as a lesson ...
Y-chromosome not going extinct, but losing it may be risk factor for Alzheimer disease
The story of the Y chromosome began about 300 million years ago, when the ancestors of mammals diverged from reptiles ...
How many genomes is enough for US Precision Medicine Initiative?
FDA head says Precision Medicine Initiative should sequence one in every four Americans. Where will that money come from? And ...
Another modern myth: Shrinking attention spans
Are modern conveniences and technology causing our attention spans to shrink? No, actually they're just adapting ...
Transhumanism and 2016 Presidential race
Trump? Clinton? Johnson? How about Zoltan Istvan, he's the Transhumanist Party 2016 presidential candidate ...
Autism in our DNA? Slew of studies points to genetics as main driver, but there is no ‘autism gene’
Researchers are unlocking the mystery of autism's origin. Yes, it's mostly 'in the genes,' but what that means is one ...
40th anniversary of NASA’s Project Viking and beginning of search for Martian life
40 years ago, Project Viking first landed on Mars. NASA would conclude that the project found no evidence of life ...
Designer babies vs. Designing your baby: Can personal genomics harm your children?
You can now optimize your baby's life based on their personal genetics. But should you? ...
NASA’s spaceflight DNA sequencer: What will it do for science and medicine?
DNA sequencing equipment will be on board an upcoming mission to space. If Martian microbes exist, then this is one ...
Can understanding epigenetics help stave off 6th mass species extinction?
Species are disappearing from our planet at an alarming rate, can understanding how they regulate their genes help us save ...
Longevity is increasing: Can we extend our lifespan, one gene at a time?
How much do "good genes" matter? In some countries, average lifespan is creeping towards 90. New research is beginning to ...
ACLU to Myriad Genetics: Patients, not companies, own personal genetic data
Myriad Genetics is back in another legal dispute. This time it's in hot water for denying patients a portion of ...
Media again mangles epigenetics: Shutting off ‘love hormone’ unlikely to make us less social
LA Times coverage of a study involving the 'moral molecule' overstates the science of epigenetics ...
Discovery of stalagmites, burned bones provides insights into pre-modern Neanderthal culture
A new cache of artifacts found in a French cave are evidence of a rich Neanderthal culture and a reminder ...
Genetic test can predict Alzheimer’s disease risk in teens, but how accurate is it?
A new test predicts Alzheimer's disease risk in young people, but experts question how accurate it really is ...
Mosquito mysteries: Genetics of bite vulnerability
Scientists think there is a genetic component to who gets bitten most, but popular reports ignore a slew of other ...
Rhesus macaques provide scientists with model to study Zika, could lead to vaccine, treatments
Our fight against the Zika virus may have gotten a big lift with the announcement of a working primate model ...
Do GMO mosquitoes designed to eradicate Zika pose unique environmental risks?
Could we live without mosquitos? Maybe, but something else might take their place ...
Microbe genes key to minimizing environmental damage from Deepwater Horizon spill
Bacteria were instrumental in cleaning up the largest oil spill in world history. Does this mean a future for microbes ...
Does CRISPR clinical trial on humans proposal bring more questions than answers?
Researchers have proposed the first human trials involving CRISPR gene editing. Is this really a landmark moment for human genetics? ...
Swan song for antibiotics? Can phage therapy and gene editing fill the gap?
Antibiotics revolutionized medicine, but nature has found a work around. What tools are left for scientists? ...
What can sequencing da Vinci’s genome teach us about genius?
A team of scientists wants to sequence Leonardo da Vinci’s genome using DNA taken from his works of art and ...
Did Interbreeding with humans give dwindling Neanderthals new lease on life?
Did ancient human's arrival in Europe actually help Neanderthals and not hurt them as most popular theories suggest? ...
Creating a synthetic human–Do science and ethics collide?
A controversy over a 'closed' meeting of 150 scientists discussing the latest research into synthetic biology in humans has sparked ...
SynBio tobacco plant that produces vital malaria drug met with skepticism by scientists
A vital—yet hard to manufacture—malaria drug can now be made easily via transgenic tobacco plants, yet many scientists are underwhelmed ...
Eve of Mars colonization: Moon as test base for pregnancy in fractional gravity
Before anyone attempts pregnancy on Mars, we need to be sure if that would work, but recently NASA announced plans ...
How our brains respond to mass shootings
Hollywood and the US government tend to share unrealistic scenarios for avoiding mass shootings. Neither accounts for how our brains ...
