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
Synthetic biology companies shift to making food additives and fragrances
The synthetic biology industry is looking to expand into creating food additives and fragrances, which could be very lucrative but ...
What is a ‘healthy’ microbiome?
A group of culturally isolated villagers in the Amazon may hold the key to showing us what a healthy microbiome, ...
Acid bath turns adult cells into stem cells
Japanese researchers report transforming adult cells into a flexible, embryonic state via a surprisingly simple method of exposing the cells ...
Finding more disease genes, faster
Researchers string together disease genes to create networks that help explain the interactions between the genes, and, better yet, find ...
British biotech company focuses on creating cellular factories
Imagine bacteria that eats pollution in water or can recycle gold from electronics -- the scope of synthetic biology is ...
Genetics gives hope of species-specific pesticides, minimal collateral damage
Imagine a future in which we no longer use pesticides. Instead, we use weevilicides or rootwormicides, targeted with exquisite precision ...
One-fifth of Neanderthal genome persists in modern human genome
By piecing together the fragments of Neanderthal DNA in the modern genome, researchers found that the stocky hunter-gatherers gave us ...
Ancient bacterial DNA suggest black death might not be gone for good
DNA analysis of the bacteria strains behind two black plague pandemics emerged, independently, from the black rat. That means another ...
Old brains may be slow, but still smart
Modern memory tests are selling old brains short. It could be that older, wiser heads are so chock full of ...
Surprise: Ancient europeans had dark skin and blue eyes
Ancient Europeans may have been dark-skinned and blue-eyed (a combination rarely found in modern times) according to DNA from a ...
The complex and confusing genetics of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is even more complex than already believed, with rare gene mutations contributing to the disorder. In two studies published ...
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing just not ready for prime time
Stories keep coming in from people who signed up for genetic testing and received strange, conflicting, or just plain wrong ...
Overclocking your brain? Be careful
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) head-sets send electrical currents straight through your skull and into your brain, but do they ...
Extinguishing the memory of fear, with a drug that changes the epigenome
A new drug changes the chemical markers that attach to DNA, making it possible to treat even old traumatic memories ...
Truths and myths about left-brain, right-brain functions
Handedness and brain asymmetry are widely regarded as unique to humans, and associated with left-brain and right-brain functions. But which ...
Deciphering the mysterious X chromosome
The X chromosome is part of the system that determines gender. Yet, despite its significance in human life, the X ...
Giant leaps of evolution make cancer cells deadly
The complex invasion of multiple body tissues that occurs when cancer metastasizes is driven by huge leaps of evolution. Maybe ...
Complications of finding a doctor who supports genetic screening during IVF
Genetic screening can reduce the chances of initiating an IVF pregnancy that may end in miscarriage but, as one woman ...
Monsanto’s kitchen: All the advantages of genetic modification without the Frankenfood ick factor
The company whose name is synonymous with Big Ag has revolutionized the way we grow food—for better or worse. Now, ...
Womb transplants prove successful for nine women
Nine women have received transplants of uteruses donated by their mothers or other living relatives in an ongoing trial of ...
My risk-benefit ratio for personal genetics
Personal genomics is going to play a role in future medical care. If 23andMe can't provide medical results to customers, ...
‘Swiss-army-knife’ molecule could help researchers assess how cells really work
Researchers have discovered a first-of-its-kind way to isolate RNA from live cells in their natural tissue microenvironment without damaging nearby ...
FDA backs genetic screening, but struggles against ‘wild west’ of consumer genomics
The FDA's tussle with personal genetics company 23andMe may make the headlines. But in many other ways the agency is ...
Genes show dogs are descendants of now-extinct wolf breed
The latest genetic study to trace the origins of dogs confirms the view that they were domesticated by hunter-gatherers at ...
2014: One step closer to genetically engineered athletes
We're closer than ever to having the science to support genetically engineering athletes. Are we responsible enough to handle it? ...
Using gene therapy, patients with rare sight disorders get vision partly restored
Two men with progressive blindness have regained some of their vision after taking part in the first clinical trial of ...
FDA clampdown on consumer genetics is overcautious
The FDA's precautionary approach to 23andMe may present more of a threat to consumer health than 23andMe's test results ever ...
