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
Synthetic biology on a piece of paper: Brighter future for disease diagnostics?
A new technology that allows synthetic gene circuits to be printed on paper could allow us to cheaply and accurately ...
Can CRISPR make cheap, GM-based WMDs?
The U.S. Director of National Intelligence for the first time lists a genetics technique as a possible instrument of terrorism, ...
Understanding IQ: What race horses, Eskimos, NBA centers and you have in common
To understand how individual intelligence forms, we have to know more than just someone's inherited genetic characteristics ...
Heard of CRISPR gene editing? It can save your life
Science is in the midst of a CRISPR craze as the technology is poised to improve treatment and prevention of ...
LSD redux: Psychedelics may help brain functioning
Research on psychoactive drugs like LSD fell out of favor more than 40 years ago. Now, they're back and may ...
Humans have innate ability to assess probability, but odds are we’re a bit off
Humans have an innate ability to assess probability, as evidenced by a recent study of remote populations in Guatemala, but ...
Genetics may contribute to when we lose our virginity, but other factors still dominate
Data now suggest genes involved in puberty and psychological development also affect when we start having sex, but how believable ...
Human preservation: Will advances in cryobiology change science fiction to science fact?
Cryonics may sound very sci-fi and many liken its followers to those of some 'New Age religion'. Yet cryonics could ...
Was Harvard meeting on synthesizing human genome too “secretive”?
A meeting at Harvard synthesizing a human genome from scratch drew criticism for its apparent secrecy. Was the criticism warranted ...
Advances in genetic research enhancing our understanding of human evolution
New data on early humans are coming in with increasing frequency and this has to do with advances in molecular ...
Wine as magic elixir? The debate thickens
Is wine good or bad for you? Much of the attention surrounding the drink has focused on the compound resveratrol ...
Should we trust experiments on one patient? Lessons from BioViva’s anti-aging gene therapy
The CEO of biotech company BioViva is a healthy woman in her mid forties, but last September she become her ...
Life insurance companies deny coverage to those with cancer genes like BRCA
US law bars discrimination against based on a person's genetics, but the law only protects in certain areas, which is ...
Lab grown human embryos: Scientific progress collides with ethical dilemma
New achievements in our ability to grow and maintain human embryos in the lab point to great promise, but also ...
Natural News’ Mike Adams libelously attacks Science-Based Medicine’s David Gorski
The "Health Ranger" is known for his attacks against science advocates, even encouraging they be killed for supporting vaccinations. Now ...
Kid’s academic achievement? Scale tips towards genetics
Some scientific work suggests parenting activities don't impact intelligence in children much and have little impact on academic achievement. Is ...
Testing babies for genetic diseases: Are we ready for next generation screens?
New-generation sequencing may deliver faster answers for newborn screening, but what if they're not the right answers? ...
Can we treat aging? Anti-aging supplements make big promises based on little science
New compounds that slow cellular aging in experiments are emerging in the dietary supplement market. But with no studies in ...
Moving around and fooling around: Tracking early human matings
Mating with other species is a very common occurrence in nature, but have humans ever done it? ...
Inuit Paradox: Can we all eat lots of fat without weight gain or heart disease?
It used to be "French paradox" now it's Inuits: Eat lots of fat and never gain weight or have heart ...
CRISPR may help neuroscientists unlock genetics of psychiatric disease
We still have much to learn about the genetics of the human brain, but advances in gene editing have allowed ...
Getting humans to Mars may rely on space twins, astronaut roundworms, and epigenetics
Do your genes change their behavior during space travel? Experiments on the epigenetics of astronauts may soon provide an answer ...
With advances in gene editing, CRISPR: How close are we to sci-fi thriller Gattaca?
With recent advances in gene editing, some worry that this could lead society down a path to Gattaca? But is ...
Do ‘genetic superheroes’ exist? Or did media overhype Resilience Project?
A study claimed to identify 13 'genetic superheroes.' The media hyped it, claiming these 'resilient' individuals may hold the key ...
Next job for the microbiome: Tagging criminals
The microbiome may have a new application; solving crimes. Unless it doesn't work ...
Why it matters that Sanders aligns with conservatives on funding stem cell and cloning research
Bernie Sanders has consistently aligned with social conservatives on human cloning and stem cell research. What could this mean for ...
Beyond microcephaly: Can Zika virus cause auto-immune disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Much of the discussion about the Zika virus has been about its ability to cause microcephaly. But now evidence has ...