Human Genetics 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 1100 pound woman’s rare genetic disorder helps unravel mystery of obesity
The root causes of the obesity epidemic remain elusive. Studying rare one-gene cases may provide clues to help scientists understand ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Marie Claire’s missteps on probiotics and microbiome; Dad’s role in fetal health
Missteps on science, journalism and advertising; Overhyping the epigenetic relationship between healthy fathers and healthy children ...
Star Trek-like transporter might solve brain disease mysteries, understand religious belief
Scientists have modeled a Star Trek-like transporter illusion to learn about how the human brain shapes our sense of spatial ...
New transplantation era beckons if we’re ok with growing organs in pigs
Some day, human organs from pigs may fill the organ gap, and the needed science and engineering is advancing rapidly, ...
Mendel meets Tinder: GenePeeks screen maps babies’ genetic risks — before conception
Genetic screening offers prospective parents new insights into the potential disease risks facing their offspring -- and maybe a chance ...
Boy or girl: Should prenatal testing be censored for fear it may become a sex-selection tool?
Some prominent ethicists push for limiting the release of prenatal testing for fear the information could be used by parents ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: IFL Science doesn’t f****** understand how humans ‘inherit’ modifications
The popular science site IFL Science whiffs at covering a major study; and can we please stop talking about 'space ...
Are we alone? If not, why hasn’t anyone dropped by Earth for a visit?
Scientists disagree on the probability that advanced extraterrestrials exist somewhere in the universe. Among the biggest arguments against aliens is ...
Can epigenetics help fuel personalized medicine revolution in cancer treatment?
Already, doctors, to some degree, use personal genomics tests that integrate our unique genetic makeup into clinical decision-making. However, there ...
Have patients been forgotten in the quest to build private BRCA variant databases?
Databases on life-threatening genetic mutations -- including the BRCA variants linked to breast cancer -- are maintained by corporations for ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Evolution of instincts — How ‘real’ is behavioral plasticity?
A researcher's decision to broadcast his controversial hypothesis about the evolution of instincts is irresponsible, and a study throws cold ...
Status climb with caution: Social mobility may take a toll on our DNA
'Moving on up' is a cherished American value (and important in other societies, too). But there could be a cost ...
Behold the octopus: Problem solver, tool user and now, gene editor
The more we learn about octopuses and squids, the more mysterious they become. The ability to edit their own RNA ...
Ethiopian Jewry: Genetics of the Beta Israel muddied by historical slave ownership
Rarely mentioned by academics is the fact that Ethiopian Jews historically owned slaves. From a genetics perspective, it means this ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Epigenetics and health in 2030, botched vitamin B cure, and more
This week’s features: Vitamin B still won't protect you from air pollution, and epigenetics and the city of 2030. Plus, ...
Are we ready to welcome intelligent robots into the human family?
Artificial intelligence (AI) may become so advanced that some computer minds achieve consciousness and self-awareness. Would these machines be granted ...
Are we ready, without professional help, to decide what to do when our genes tell us we have a potential disorder?
The FDA's decision to allow 23andMe to offer consumers disease screening has triggered a debate over whether the public is ...
DNA test limits: Current direct-to-consumer tests provide only a glimpse into our ancestry
In a recent story that made headlines, a woman’s DNA test showed she was a descendant of a lost tribe ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: No, income inequality does not cause epigenetic changes, botching Lamarck, and more
A psychology professor claims that income inequality is causing epigenetic changes and a Huffington Post article on climate change and ...
Glowing trees, no more colonoscopies and other wonders of synthetic biology
Synthetic biology offers the opportunity to create a wide array of novel life forms, products and approaches to medicine -- ...
Seeing patterns that aren’t there? Understanding how the brain forms opinions — And implications for science
Humans have a natural inclination to 'order the world,' our minds imposing familiar patterns on the chaos of life. Could ...
This year’s flu vaccine has been 50% effective, and that’s not shabby
This season's vaccine was more effective than those of the previous two years at reducing influenza-related hospitalizations ...
Time to amend human embryo research ’14-day rule’?
The rule that cuts off research on human embryos at 14 days gestation is based on an arbitrary time limit ...
‘Rape gene’? Law and Order SVU episode muddies genetic literacy waters
A popular television show delivers a questionable message on genetic determinism and the the issue of why some men resort ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: No, Dr. Sarah Gottfried, we can’t control genes with lifestyle tweaks, and more
This week’s features: An MD is pushing pseudoscience to sell her new book and a word of caution about epigenetics ...
Born killer or normal mind? Genes, brain scans and mental health
What's a normal mind? Do brain scans provide any insight? The answer is stranger than you think ...
4 human genetics organizations that put ideology ahead of science
There are legitimate concerns about the rapid pace of genetics research. But some of the most well known groups seen ...
