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 personal genomics is like Michelangelo’s David
Personal genomics is awash in stories of genetic discoveries that turned out to be weak or wrong, yet the field ...
Scientists find genetic basis for slow metabolism, obesity
For the first time, scientists have identified a genetic mutation associated with two major contributors to obesity: increased appetite and ...
How to create alien life? Use human DNA, of course
Five decades after cracking the genetic code, scientists have discovered how to re-code DNA cells and build new proteins. The ...
Will the public still fear GMOs in 100 years?
Innovations like aviation and vaccines have been huge contributions to modern society, despite initial public opposition. The same could be ...
Promise and peril of synthetic biology
Work in the field of synthetic biology creates a dual use ethical dilemma--the techniques that help us learn to cure ...
Study uses herpes virus to track human migration across the globe
The genomic analysis of different strains of the herpes virus reveals migration patterns of early humans ...
Giant pandas’ genetic diversity helps them adapt to environmental change
Despite the dwindling number of giant pandas, researchers think the species has more genetic diversity than some other endangered animals ...
Using genetics to save the world’s coral reefs from climate change
Similar to how agriculturalists have helped crops adapt to the changing climate, two marine ecologists are working to save the ...
Project BabySeq to test how knowing your genome from birth changes your life
Brigham and Women’s Hospital's Robert Green wants to know how having your complete genome sequenced at birth changes the course ...
Gene testing revolution: Disease prediction results skyrocket for whole genome and whole exome sequencing
New research suggests that focusing on the protein-coding region of our DNA that makes up about 1.5 percent of each ...
How do traits trickle down from grandparents to grandchildren? Partially by chance.
Personal genome sequencing allows us to take a closer look at inheritance and highlights the situations in which genetic and ...
New app allows users to access their genetic info from smartphone
A new smartphone app, developed by researchers at Tel Aviv University, will allow individuals who’ve had their genome sequenced to ...
Being a good Samaritan could be influenced by genetics
Everyone knows the biblical parable of the good Samaritan. A new study suggests that a single variation in a specific ...
Does finding cancer mutations lead to cures?
We don't have drugs to treat most cancer mutations. So how does hunting for mutations help? ...
Craig Venter working on device that could send DNA over the internet
Craig Venter, who created the world’s first synthetic life, is working on a “DNA box” that could transport genetic sequences ...
There’s much more to IQ than biology and DNA
Genetics doesn't matter more than teaching. Nature doesn't matter more than nurture does. They both contribute to intelligence ...
How climate change is causing species to evolve
Researchers in the new field of "landscape genetics" find that global warming is causing effects that spur species to evolve ...
DNA study shows herbal products not always what they appear to be
DNA barcoding revealed that sixty percent of herbal products tested contained DNA from plant species not included on the label ...
Engineered mice show jet lag could become a thing of the past
Scientists have discovered a genetic mechanism that regulates the effects of jet lag. While a cure for the disorder is ...
Using the Human Genome Project as a model for scientific success
Obama should take a lesson from the Human Genome Project if he wants his ambitious brain-mapping project to succeed ...
Why good girls like bad guys—Does evolution explain?
In different cultures around the world, women are drawn to bad boys. The phenomenon is so common, in fact, that ...
Misunderstandings retard growth of personal genomics
Genome sequencing has improved over the years. But misunderstandings about the accuracy and value of the tests abound ...
The latest on Google’s battle plan against death: analyzing the genetics of aging
Google Venture's Calico plans to capitalize take on the problem of aging and age-related disease by studying genetics. What's known ...
Breakthroughs in prenatal screening
Improvements in medical science make it prenatal screening tests that can detect chromosomal problems in the fetus accurate and commonplace ...
Scientists turn to GM wheat to avert potential global crisis
Rising populations, new diseases and climate change threaten the wheat yields that sustain much of the planet. But, scientists have ...
Ethical issues as scientists peek into baby genes
Should genome sequencing become a routine part of newborn care? Is it legal, ethical, or even good medical practice? ...
Ashkenazi Jewish women descended mostly from Italian converts, new study asserts
A new paper in Nature Communications recharges a debate regarding the ancestry of Ashkenazi Jews, tracing maternal lineages back to ...
