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
Viewpoint: There’s danger in overselling the benefits of routine DNA sequencing
For decades the potential of stem cells to cure all disease was promised. Today’s reality is that the few worthy ...
Celiac disease: What’s behind the surge in diagnoses?
A few years ago, the book “Wheat Belly” became a hit, as it pointed to new “scientifically engineered” strains of ...
Can we learn about ourselves by studying chimpanzees? Not really.
Trying to go back to our animal roots sounds good in theory, but we can't truly find out what it ...
Why autism looks so different in girls
Girls tend to be diagnosed with autism later in life than boys--often after being misdiagnosed with something else first. Why ...
Selling your DNA in our ‘brave new world’
There are instances when people choose to sell their own blood. Sperm banks transact business based on a different bodily ...
We talk to our dogs. Do they understand the words we use?
Dogs know what 'get the ball' means, but do they truly understand what we say? ...
DNA testing to reunite separated families—what we learned from the grandmothers of Argentina
The idea to use DNA testing to reunite families separated at US borders due to the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” ...
What causes cancer? Challenge is distinguishing ‘between myth and reality’
Misleading information about what can and can't cause cancer is incredibly prevalent in our society ...
We’re in the early stages of a genetic revolution. Should we be worried?
Many people have overestimated the effects of genetic era. The truth is that we still don't know what most of ...
What can sexual pleasure teach us about behavioral learning?
Opiod receptors in our brain are triggered when we have sex. Researching this mechanism can tell us a lot about ...
Can a genetic test predict risk of opioid addiction?
The opioid crisis is an ongoing tragedy, with fatal overdoses costing thousands of lives each year. Although opioids are an ...
Viewpoint: Stop worrying about intelligent robots taking all the jobs
The coming artificial intelligence revoloution will inevitably change the way the European workforce operates. How should policymakers prepare? ...
Why are we afraid of synthetic blood?
Synthetic blood engineered to be superior to our normal blood may be a revolution in the emergency room ...
‘Overactive immune system’: Is schizophrenia a body-wide disorder?
While some may believe that schizophrenia is only affects the mind, a new study shows that the disease actually affects ...
Viewpoint: We’re ‘nowhere close’ to being ready to edit human genomes
Genome meddling to cure diseases is often worth the risk, but nothing else is just yet ...
How gene therapy could help astronauts survive deep space deadly radiation
Over the past five decades, space travel advocates have been pushing to expand our footprint in space. They dream about lunar ...
‘Evolution is aimless’: How else do we explain external testicles?
Evolution is a work in progress, so it’s hardly surprising that some of the features it has built into the ...
Olympic gender confusion: Woman with too much testosterone required to take estrogen to compete while drug that blocks estrogen is banned
Erik Lief and Chuck Dinerstein have each weighed in with companion pieces about a highly controversial rule by the International Association of ...
Defining gender and questioning the need for a ‘level playing field’ in elite athletics
The context surrounding the study of the impact of testosterone on elite athletes is essential in understanding its underlying hypothesis ...
Gender, sex and identity: Sports’ ruling bodies struggle to draw lines to ensure fairness for all
The case of Caster Semenya is as fascinating as it is multi-faceted. And while the debate can be endless due ...
Alternate facts: Why are we still telling women that abortion causes breast cancer?
On June 26th, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of crisis pregnancy centers that were challenging a California law, the Reproductive ...
Viewpoint: ‘Worrisome conflicts’ created by lack of diversity in biotech research funding
You exit a cramped, hazy subway car with a throng of professionals. As you emerge blinking into Kendall Square in ...
Is the key to treating or preventing autism hiding in the gut microbiome?
Studies have connected the brain and the microbiome through what’s becoming known as the “gut-brain-axis.” The mystery of our microbiota ...
This virus is attracted to cancer cells. Will it give us new treatments?
Historically, bacteria, parasites, and viruses have been considered dangerous because they spread infectious diseases. But scientists have started to try ...
Will Africa embrace CRISPR gene editing and the next phase of the biotech revolution?
Scientists around the world are increasingly turning to the promise of CRISPR gene editing to tackle any number of problems ...
Resurrecting the northern white rhino and other lost species. But at what cost?
Time has been called on the northern white rhinoceros, but this call is already being challenged. When the last male ...
Ultimate hangover cure? Could the solution be found in a pill?
Nanocapsules containing a substance that can efficiently break down alcohol quickly could prevent alcohol poisoning, and could work as a ...
