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
What spider genetics can tell us about evolutionary relationships and cut-throat competition
What’s the most famous — or even the most infamous — spider in the world? The tarantula? The black widow? ...
‘Creative misbehavior’: When ingenuity takes a dark turn
Misbehavior is a form of creative thinking ...
What makes something funny? Genetics almost certainly plays a role
What we find funny can differ wildly from person to person. And scientists have found that genetics plays at least ...
Breaking down the ‘scientific and statistical sins’ behind reporting on marijuana science
A new book and New Yorker feature are filled with cherry-picked data, oversimplified studies, and scientific errors ...
Building a better mini brain: How these tiny organoids can boost fight against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
It’s your favorite organ, self-assembling, ready to go ...
Newborns and genome sequencing: Do we sacrifice privacy in the name of health?
If history provides a lesson, routine newborn genomic sequencing won’t come without a fight ...
Gluten free diets are all the rage—here’s why that could be a bad thing
Gluten-free diets are all the rage, even though only a tiny fraction of us are susceptible to celiac-linked reactions. But ...
Gene drives: Why the best option for fighting mosquito-borne diseases is the ‘mosquito itself’
Gene drives are now a viable method of fighting mosquito-borne disease ...
Is gender identity fluid or fixed? What we know about other animals might help inform the debate.
Distinguishing between sex and gender is a vital first step in understanding gender identity ...
What’s the future of human gene editing? Balancing ethical and religious concerns with evidence-based uses of genetic technologies
The November announcement of CRISPR-created babies provoked an intense uproar from scientists, ethicists and the public alike. Fears of independent ...
Key to fecal transplants could revolve around ‘recipe and preparation’
Fecal transplants are slowly becoming a more effective, and more palatable option for various gut disorders, such as IBS or ...
Is love a mystery of the heart? Or hard-wired in our genes?
Scientists have identified a number of genetic markers that 'code' humans for attraction--genes for intelligence, subtle human body odors, height ...
Ouch! Why is pain so much worse for some of us?
Exploring how pain differs from person to person ...
Many people are confused and concerned about human gene editing. They might just need a ‘better understanding’ of how it works
Genome editing has struck a public nerve in a more profound way than most new medical technologies ...
Yes, genes do shape our behavior, but in complicated ways
Are psychological traits definitely determined by genes? ...
Battling Parkinson’s disease by rejuvenating aging cells
For many degenerative conditions, there are no cures, just treatments designed to slow the progression. But we may soon be ...
Only 18% of people with breast and ovarian cancer genes knew they were carriers, study found. How can we make DNA screening work better?
New research shows that only 18% of those who tested positive for breast cancer genes knew they had them ...
Viewpoint: Why we must be wary of grandiose claims about a low-cost, universal cancer cure
An Israeli company claims they will likely perfect a cure for all cancer in the next year. There are many ...
Could this synthetic enzyme lead to a treatment for celiac disease?
Ingestible enzymes created by synthetic biology could allow people with celiac disease to eat gluten ...
Geneticists seek key to better understanding, treatment of schizophrenia
What can studying the human genome teach us about the origins and treatments for psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia? ...
Viewpoint: Cancer rates are falling, but ‘our work is not done’
While it can be tempting to celebrate cancer rate decline, it's important to see that cancer outcomes correlate with an ...
Why the Enlightenment wasn’t so enlightened after all
We view the Enlightenment period as a period of rationalism and reason, but this is far from the truth ...
Viewpoint: Why we need to know more about transgenderism and genetics
“Transgender” is a term that Just a few years ago was nonexistent in the news. These day, hardly a week ...
Viewpoint: Evolution denialism is back. This time it’s coming from the left
Evolutionary biology has always been controversial, but new discussions about sex and gender have led to a resurgence in denial ...
Why a proposed DNA data protection plan is a great idea that may be too late to help
Legal experts, biologists and policy analysists are calling for DNA data regulation, but the cat is already out of the ...
Learning about modern genetics through the long-extinct aurochs
The world’s first reported instance of species extinction is also a good window on today’s genetic revolution ...
Getting out of the gene-editing mess created by Chinese scientist He Jiankui
There have always been rogues willing to carve their own paths no matter what the cost to others. But how ...
