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
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
‘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 ...
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? ...
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 ...
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 ...
Video: Ramez Naam discusses linking human brains
At a recent TEDxRainier talk, author and technologist Ramez Naam discussed the current science of sending sights, sounds, and sensations ...
$1000 genome may finally be in sight
Despite all the talk, no company has yet met the goal of sequencing a human genome for $1,000 or less ...
Gene therapy successful in treating leukemia. Can it be used to fight other cancers as well?
A new cancer treatment pioneered at the University of Pennsylvania has generated a lot of excitement in the field and ...
Injecting DNA in the brain: What’s the promise of gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease?
Gene therapy has been used to successfully treat a number of challenging diseases, such as leukemia. Now, scientists are hoping ...
Do memes mutate and adapt like DNA? Yes, say Facebook data scientists
According to new research from Facebook data scientists, internet memes adapt to their surroundings in order to survive, just like ...
Resurrected 700 year-old water flea eggs show human impacts on evolution
DNA evidence says some tiny water fleas hatched from eggs at the bottom of a Minnesota lake, are 700 years ...
Genetics might explain preferences of heat or cold
As half the country recovers from record low temperatures, scientists have found that genetics plays an important role in human ...
Shark genome may help explain bone formation
By decoding the genome of the elephant shark, researchers are learning about the genetics of bone formation and bone diseases ...
Could mapped citrus greening genome save the Florida orange?
A University of Florida researcher has mapped the DNA genome of a new strain of citrus greening, which could help ...
DNA may be the best way to preserve data
Recording media and storage devices last decades, but DNA stores information for thousands of years. Maybe we should store our ...
Rumors of the death of consumer genomics greatly exaggerated
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing can offer exciting new ways of understanding ourselves and so far we've only seen the tip of ...
GM salmon could double world production, if ‘Frankenfish’ fears don’t halt progress
A new type of Atlantic salmon, engineered by biotech firm AquaBounty Technologies, could double world production of the fish. But ...
Rumors of the death of consumer genomics greatly exaggerated
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing can offer exciting new ways of understanding ourselves and so far we've only seen the tip of ...
