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
How many of the people born in the world in 1756 could have become Mozart? IQ twin studies may provide an answer
A recent study on the heritability of intelligence has sparked interest in determining where we get our intelligence. A new ...
Non-invasive prenatal screening: Too much information?
With non-invasive prenatal screenings comes the ability to read more and more into the genetics of unborn babies. Can we ...
Did brain mirror neurons help shape our civilization?
A new study debunks the hype surrounding mirror neurons and surveys current literature to take a calm and objective look ...
Caribou genetics reveal shadow of climate change
A new look at the genetic history of Caribou suggests that loss of habitat, which is a likely effect of ...
Teaching students to tinker with genetic engineering is good for education and society
Move over toothpick-and-gumdrop skyscrapers! Today's students use synthetic biology's tools to build genetically engineered organisms ...
Why are some children less prone to obesity? Epigenetics may offer clues
Recent studies on epigenetic inheritance are changing the way scientists view our biology, particularly for inherited factors like obesity or ...
‘Duon’ controversy: Scientists claim second code hiding within DNA, provoking sharp rebuke
In a claim sharply challenged as overhyped, University of Washington scientists say they have "discovered" a second code hiding within ...
DNA plays powerful role in how students do on exams
A new study suggests that genetics may account for 58% of the difference between children's test scores. Will the finding ...
In key ways, great white sharks are more similar to humans than to fish
New research suggests that many of the great white shark’s proteins match humans more closely than they do zebrafish, the ...
Science reporters fail to dig deep enough on male v. female brain story
The media went nuts over the recent brain scanning study saying men and women differ when it comes to spatial ...
Comparison of aging patterns sheds light on evolutionary purpose of aging
A new comparison of aging patterns of humans and 45 other species reveals that some species live much longer than ...
Nearly a quarter of cow genome comes from snakes
According to a new article, “horizontal gene transfer” allows genes to cut themselves out of surrounding DNA and paste themselves ...
Can we inherit fear of a smell? The latest on transgenerational epigenetics
Can humans inherit the experience of fear? Male mice trained to fear a particular harmless smell before they sire offspring ...
23andMe facing class action suit for making ‘genetic predictions’
23andMe is now faced with a class-action lawsuit that challenges the company's claims of genetic tests' predictive power ...
Female promiscuity a pragmatic approach to survival
New research suggests that female primates seek out multiple sexual partners as an evolutionary strategy and opportunistically shift that strategy ...
Debate over ‘selfish gene’ theory heats up
A recent article by science writer David Dobbs argued for the need to revise the “selfish gene” theory, prompting a ...
Are male contraceptives on the horizon?
Using a new approach, scientists have come up with a male contraceptive that has proven 100% effective in early test ...
Video: Bill Gates on why the future needs biomedical innovation
On Monday, Bill Gates delivered the 2013 David E. Barmes Global Health Lecture on the need for biomedical innovation to ...
Is same-sex coupling a matter of genetics or choice?
A new report has found that nearly a third of Laysan albatross pairs on Oahu are of the same gender, ...
Do animals inherit basic memories through sperm, epigenetics?
New research from scientists at Emory University suggests that mice inherit specific smell memories from their fathers, even when the offspring have ...
Failed promise of 23andMe
Since scientists first sequenced the human genome, we've dreamed of a clear genetic explanation for diseases and behaviors. It hasn't ...
Can we slow the effects of aging?
Google's new company, Calico, is attempting to battle the effects of aging and many suspect the company will go one ...
It may not be romantic, but genomics are part of the dating game now
Genetic testing is poised to play a big role reproduction planning and even romance. And that future might not be ...
The future of ancient DNA–Can we remake extinct species?
The study of ancient DNA has come a long way in recent years, forcing scientists to rethink much of human ...
Is the Food and Drug Administration killing personalized medicine?
The Food and Drug Administration's outdated regulatory requirements are choking pharmaceutical innovations in personal genomics and molecular medicine ...
Bio-artist uses bacteria and antibiotics to color textiles
Bio-artist Anna Dumitriu uses deadly bacteria, such as MRSA, and antibiotics to color textiles in an attempt to challenge the relationship ...
Researchers hammering away at a chink in HIV’s armor
HIV evades the immune system by use of a protein coat. Now researchers have shown that the coat can be ...
