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
Should we control sex to protect humanity’s future?
The more we know about the nature of reproduction, the more we can control it -- and our own future ...
Myriad Genetics sues competitors for patent infringement
Myriad genetics is suing two competitors for infringing on patents not covered by the Supreme Court's ruling on human gene ...
UK joins project to make first synthetic eukaryote
UK researchers join a project to create the first synthetic eukaryote: designer yeast ...
Ancient bones’ DNA draws a direct line to people living today
A study of mitochondrial DNA reveals the long history of the Native American community in northern British Columbia, Canada ...
Monsanto wants to help honeybees fight mites with biotech
A new weapon in that fight to save honeybees could be RNA molecules that kill a troublesome parasite by disrupting ...
New genome sequencing technique produces its first genetically-screened IVF baby
The first IVF baby to screened using an inexpensive and fast genome sequencing procedure has been born in the US ...
Scientists watch DNA development in a growing brain
Researchers have used chemical tracking and genome sequencing to create a time-lapse map of human brains as they develop ...
The smallest bacterial genome, in context
Researchers find that a bacteria's tiny genome size is made possible only because its host's genetic code does some of ...
Gene sleuths find how some naturally resist cholera
Researchers found that people of the Ganges Delta have adapted genetically to withstand cholera and arsenic ...
Pointing to breakthrough, human stem cells used to create tiny new livers
Organ transplant tissues created from stem cells have long been a medical hope. An international research team using human liver ...
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 ...
Japan reconsiders chimeric experiments
Japan is considering relaxing restrictions on the production of chimeric animals for sake of trying to grow viable human organs ...
Far-fetched ethical questions that are about to get real
Science fiction's favorite moral quandaries are suddenly pressing concerns ...
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 ...
