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
Sir David Attenborough is wrong – humans are still evolving
Have we, in famed broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough's words, put a halt to natural selection? The short answer is ...
Brain sleep, not beauty sleep? Switching off regrows cells
A study shows that sleeping activates a gene which allows certain types of brain cells to be replenished ...
Epigenetics sheds new light on altruism
Recent research in neuroscience and epigenetics is revealing more and more about the fundamental social nature of humans ...
The right to genetic ignorance
The intention behind routine genome sequencing is good, but could it obliterate the right to remain ignorant of potentially untreatable ...
Convergent evolution seen in many genes, including those for echolocation
A new study suggests that many genes evolved in parallel in bats and dolphins, helping each to develop their remarkable ...
Does nature or nurture decide our sexuality? Could it be a little of both?
How much influence do genes have on gender and sexuality? Watch two prominent scientists debate vastly different answers to this ...
Life insurance and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
GINA doesn't apply to life, disability, or long-term care insurance. But genetic information could radically change the insurance landscape ...
Researchers extend human epigenomic map, possibilities of personalized medicine
Harvard University scientists have extended our knowledge of human epigenomics, which could lead to a breakthrough in personalized medicine and ...
Genome studies reveal roots of TB drug resistance
A new catalogue of tuberculosis bacteria genomes may help researchers ID and treat drug-resistant strains ...
Martians on Earth: Compounds from Mars may have seeded life on our planet
New findings suggest that Mars holds the key ingredients needed for the evolution of life itself, suggesting that life may ...
10 reasons why growing a human brain-in-a-dish is terrific
The growth of a mini-brain is revolutionary in more ways than one. PhD Ricki Lewis describes the ten most exciting ...
Genetic manipulation extends mouse lifespan by 20%
Suppressing specific gene expression improved mouse longevity, but we're a long way from using the technique to control human aging ...
Memories of positive associations get written onto DNA
Another study adds to the growing list of experiements in which epigenetics appears involved in the process of locking memories ...
Could embryo donation become common practice?
Embryo donation seems like a reasonable solution: IVF leads to potentially viable, unused embryos. Other people desperately want them ...
Genomics X Prize canceled: “Outpaced by innovation”
Improvements in genome sequencing speed and cost led organizers to cancel the Genomics X Prize. But will the goal of ...
Would Golden Rice save lives in developing countries?
Following the recent destruction of Golden Rice field trials in the Philippines, the New York Times' Amy Harmon narrates the ...
Teaching doctors about genomics
A video training program currently in development may help teach doctors how to use genetic test results in everyday care ...
As prenatal testing for Down syndrome increases, so do concerns about genetic counseling
Noninvasive prenatal tests provide early-pregnancy information about genetic abnormalities. Can genetic counseling keep pace? ...
Gene expression profiling study finds biomarkers related to suicide risk
Researchers may one day be able to use RNA biomarkers in the blood to identify suicide risk ...
India’s doubting fathers and sons embrace DNA paternity tests
The increasing availability of DNA paternity tests in India may lead to a number of ethical conundrums ...
Glowing bunnies: Why they matter
The technique behind glowing rabbits may someday create animals that make biological pharmaceutical products ...
Gaming with genes for the sake of a tree
The public are being asked to help in the fight against ash tree dieback by playing a computer game that ...
Controversy around Havasupai Indian genetic study more myth than fact
The story that researchers were testing a Native American tribe's DNA without consent is too good to ignore. Even if ...
Unhidden traits: Genomic data privacy debates heat up
Is addressing genetic privacy concerns for scientific study participants essential, impossible, or maybe undesirable? ...
What if plants could be plastic factories?
A Massachusetts-based company is genetically engineering plants to produce an organic polymer that can be used to make biodegradable plastic ...
Military blood serum bank advances research, raises privacy concerns
The US Department of Defense's huge blood serum bank is great for scientific research, but not all donors know they're ...
Programming language based on the human brain
IBM has developed a new programming architecture based on the language of the human brain, taking us one step closer ...
