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
Old blood, new science: 115-year-old woman’s blood suggests lifespan depends on stem cells
The blood of one of the oldest women to have lived -- and quite possibly the oldest to ever donate ...
Surrogacy without infertility: Is career reason enough?
Although still rare, rich women are choosing to use surrogates during pregnancy for social reasons without medical necessity ...
DNA “cloaking devices” sneak past the immune system, could deliver medicine and identify disease
The mammalian immune system remained an obstacle to deploying DNA nanorobots that could carry medicines through your bloodstream and to ...
SAT revamp stirs IQ and genes debate, roiling egalitarian sensibilities
Are their differences among the sexes and races in IQ? Revamp of SAT test brings nature-nurture debate about human intelligence ...
Marker-assisted plant breeding: agricultural genetics without GMOs
Marker-assisted selection is a fancy way of saying plant breeders are using genetics to "preview" their crops and streamline the ...
Cloned embryonic stem cells re-ignite ethics debate
Researchers have created cloned stem cells from men's skin cell samples in a lab, in the process creating cloned embryos ...
Taboo: The left’s problem with genetics of race and sex and human differences
Hard-wired differences among groups is one of the most controversial subjects in society, whether we are discussing race or sex ...
State lawmakers hold genetic counseling regulation hostage with ‘conscience clause’
Seeking a state licensing processes genetic counselors have pushed for legislation. Lawmakers have forced the inclusion of conscience clauses that ...
It’s time for a cancer genomics revolution
Cancer genomics has produced some major successes; genetically tailored drugs are around the corner in the UK. But as this ...
Searching for the super genius genes
BGI wants to sequence everything and everyone on the planet. It's particularly interested in finding the genes for genius. A ...
Anti-GMO fear of ‘foreign’ genes? Ferns are latest examples of ‘natural’ genetic modification
Ag biotechnology opponents fret that transferring genes across species is "unnatural" and "dangerous." But it happens in nature--naturally. A study, ...
Genetically engineering humans for enlightenment?
Transhumanist David Pearce thinks the best way to create a better world is through genetic engineering to halt human and ...
Lab grown blood fit for human transfusion, a regenerative medicine first
“We have made red blood cells that are fit to go in a person’s body," says Marc Turner, medical director ...
Non-invasive prenatal testing a global reality, but what’s next?
Non-invasive prenatal testing offers benefits to the developing world. But without regulation and policy guidance, it's difficult to know how ...
How much of our genome do we share with other organisms? Take this quiz.
Find out how much genetic material humans share with grapes, round worms and dogs ...
Inner life of your cells is controlled chaos
A new animated video sheds light on the jittery, jumbled inner lives of our cells. Carl Zimmer at the New ...
Pick the baby, then the mate?
A new computer technology allows potential parents to genetically screen sperm and egg donors for more than 600 conditions and ...
Why embracing the “unnatural” can help us improve on—and preserve—nature
Can we improve on nature? Yes, argues agronomist Andrew McGuire, but he's only talking about farming. I take his argument ...
Newborn genome sequencing: Would every newborn be a patient?
With cost and access decreasing, sequencing the genome of every child at birth could become part of standard newborn screenings ...
Embattled STAP stem cell researcher: I’m not guilty of miscounduct, technique works
Stem cell scientist Haruko Obokata -- recently accused by her employer, Japan's prestigious RIKEN institute, of research misconduct -- has ...
Call to end anonymous egg and sperm donation points to lack of fertility industry regulation
A renewed call to end the anonymity of egg and sperm donors hopes to provide donor-conceived kids with important health ...
Greener paper through genetically engineered trees
Genetically engineered trees are easier to process into pulp, making tree farming less resource-intensive. The same techniques could be adapted ...
What is direct to consumer genetic testing actually worth?
Cyrus Farivar uses several direct to consumer genetic testing companies to explore his health risks, specifically for Alzheimer's disease. In ...
DNA nanorobots deliver medicine inside cockroaches, act like a computer
"It's a computer -- inside a cockroach." So writes Sarah Spickernell in a fascinating account at New Scientist of DNA-based ...
To reduce false positives, PLOS asks scientists for extra info in gene association studies
The Public Library of Science will now require scientists who want to publish genetic association studies in the journal to ...
4 billionth acre of biotech crops about to be planted
Fourth-generation family farmer muses on the soon-to-be-planted four billionth acre of biotech crops at Truth About Trade & Technology. What ...
Black Plague’s quirky genetics, 700 years later
The Black Death ravaged the European population, but some survived due to a genetic mutation also implicated in HIV infection ...
