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
Building the internet of genes
The global alliance to support secure sharing of genomic and clinical data represents potential for both tremendous good and unknown ...
Britain moves toward “three-parent” IVF babies
Three-parent IVF could head off inherited mitochondrial disease in babies in Britain ...
Genomic medicine for astronauts
Personalized genomics could be used to ensure that astronauts are in the best possible condition before they go into the ...
Neuroscience: Big promises, big problems
Neuroimaging is widely regarded as the key to understanding everything we do -- but is this wrong? ...
The DNA data deluge
Computing, not sequencing, is now the limiting factor when it comes to genomics research ...
Coffee in crisis: Transgenics to the rescue?
Central American coffee production is on red alert because of the coffee rust fungus. We need transgenics to create resistant, ...
Ancient horse genome sequenced: Ancient humans next?
Researchers have assembled a draft of the genome of nearly 700,000-year-old horse. Can they do it for pre-neandertal humans? ...
The cancer genome in context: of mice and mutations
Researchers push the boundaries of cancer genomics--including making custom mouse models to develop personalized treatments ...
DNA folding patterns control gene expression
A decade after sequencing the human genome, it's time to tackle the folding of a human’s entire suite of DNA ...
Listening to the genome: music or noise?
How do we separate the signal from the noise in our "junk"-filled genomes? ...
DNA tests estimate that Prince William is 0.3 to 0.8 percent Indian
Researchers have found that Prince William, heir to the throne, likely carries a small amount of Indian DNA ...
The most detailed map of the human brain ever
A new 3D brain map called BigBrain is the most detailed ever constructed, with a resolution so high it can ...
Far-fetched ethical questions that are about to get real
Science fiction's favorite moral quandaries are suddenly pressing concerns ...
Japan reconsiders chimeric experiments
Japan is considering relaxing restrictions on the production of chimeric animals for sake of trying to grow viable human organs ...
Be prepared for the big genome leak
The number of genomes in research databases is growing -- how long will it be before that information gets out? ...
The perils of neurocentrism
The issue with fMRI and other neuroscience techniques is "neurocentrism" -- "the view that human experience and behavior can be ...
Faroe Islands aim to sequence genes of entire country
The Health Ministry of the Faroe Islands plans to sequence the genomes of every interested citizen ...
Synthetic blood may introduce a host of complications
The pending arrival of synthetic blood is likely to come with some serious socioeconomic and ethical issues ...
GM foods grow up
Critics of transgenic crops often focus on the seemingly unnatural act of adding something new and alien to a plant's ...
Mother Jones: Is synthetic biology something to fear?
The funded synthetic biology Glowing Plant kickstarter campaign raises questions and fears for some ...
Supreme court limits gene patents in mixed ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court has restricted the ability of companies to patent human genetic sequences ...
Artwork highlights legal debate over ‘abandoned’ DNA
A provocative art project creates "facial reconstruction" sculptures based on DNA found on trash. Is it legal? ...
No, this is not how the human face might look in 100,000 years
One artist’s vision of what humanity will look like in 100,000 years includes huge eyes and foreheads. Apparently, we’re all ...
Scientists identify mutations associated with intelligence for first time
In the first study of its kind that has generated a reproducible result, researchers report on ten variations in DNA ...
Geneticists push for global data-sharing
69 institutions in 13 countries are working to enable the free flow of information in genomic medicine ...
Clinical geneticists oppose some direct-to-consumer genetic testing
A majority of European clinical geneticists oppose direct-to-consumer genetic tests for serious or untreatable health issues ...
Centenarian genetics: The search for longevity-enhancing biotech
People who live past age 100 develop diseases at much later ages than the rest of us. Scientists are working ...
