Human 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
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Modern genetics undermines neat boundaries of species
Christopher Kemp at Popular Science shows us how genetics can turn one species of bat into seven, all from within ...
Era of designer plants and animals edges closer with creation of synthetic yeast
A manmade yeast chromosome seems a far cry from designer animals and humans, but it’s a huge step forward in ...
Brain implants may help monitor neurological problems, address depression and Parkinson’s
Helen Shen at Nature chronicles a new class of deep brain implant that not only helps treat Parkinson's but may, ...
Ancient viral DNA may play key role in how human stem cells work
A significant portion of our genetic material is comprised of holdovers from viral infections long ago. Now it seems like ...
New guidelines for patients who opt-out of DNA screens too limiting
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics updated their policies to let patients decide if they want to participate ...
Epigenomic boom over hyped?
Epigenetics promises to explain the relationships between our genes and environments, but some scientists argue it may be going too ...
Breakthrough STAP stem cell researchers officially guilty of misconduct
Earlier this year researchers at Japan's RIKEN institute announced a remarkably easy way to produce stem cells -- the holy ...
MIT researchers use MRI to study genetic activity in brains
MIT researchers have used genetic engineering and a bit of chemistry to make it possible, for the first time, to ...
French fries and skinny genes: Are we programmed to be obese?
Genes and diet interact to pack on pounds, but not as much as the media thinks. Even as we learn ...
