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
State of mind: Will computers learn to act and think like we do?
The technology that drives artificial intelligence is constantly moving forward. But will machines every gain the human equivalent of a ...
‘Brain banks’: Why these scientists want your brain
Researchers are striving to build collections of brains free of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. A stronger base of ...
NBC News’ Richard Engel’s son diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Why that’s such a rarity
The Today Show recently reported the sad story of Henry Engel—the toddler son of correspondent Richard Engel and his wife Mary Forrest who ...
Could modern influenza outbreaks escalate into devastating pandemics like the 1918 ‘Spanish Flu’?
It is unlikely that we will ever experience anything like the 1918 outbreak, but researchers say we could see outbreaks ...
Waging war against the mosquito: Split-gene drive could hinder spread of Zika
The use of split-gene drives could alleviate the concerns of critics who worry about unexpected effects of releasing gene-edited mosquitos ...
Marrying close relatives offers genetic risks and benefits for offspring
Endogamy is a powerful but controversial cultural tool. It also can play surprising roles in health and disease ...
Human muscles from stem cells: Advance could aid research into muscular dystrophy, other diseases
Muscle created with stem cells is not quite as strong as the researchers would like. But they think these new ...
Viewpoint: Headline-grabbing attempt to edit living human’s DNA needs reality check
For the first time, doctors have attempted to edit faulty genes inside the body of a human patient — a ...
Finding meaning in the music of our genes
There is a musical pattern to our DNA, and it may help us understand how genes work and pinpoint diseases ...
Learning what Alzheimer’s does to the brain could lead to personalized treatments
Researchers are learning more about the causes and progression of the disease. This leads them to suggest that new treatment ...
Sex and genetics: We’re looking for someone who isn’t an exact match of ourselves
We know that both men and woman are attracted to each other's shapes. But human sexual desire, and partner preference, ...
Deepening the nature v. nurture debate: How hormones impact development in the womb is often most key
Hormones released into an expectant mother's bloodstream may affect the child's intelligence, mental health and susceptibility to stress, among other ...
I was diagnosed with breast cancer. How genetic testing guided what to do next.
Genetics counselor and writer Ricki Lewis explains how a breast cancer diagnosis led her to genetic testing—and why she decided ...
Does the shape of your face affect your odds of success or failure in life?
The science of facial structures has advanced tremendously in recent years, leading to a number of applications and a deeper ...
Viewpoint: Oprah for president? Junk science enabler?
Oprah Winfrey’s recent speech at the Golden Globes captured the imagination of countless people with rumors spreading that it could ...
Artificial intelligence: How can we regulate without stifling innovation?
There is disagreement among some of the top minds in technology when it comes to the subject of regulating artificial ...
Treating the concussion epidemic: Could spit tests identify those most likely to recover slowly?
A study found that microRNA in the saliva may offer early warning signs about a person's likelihood of recovering quickly ...
‘Junk DNA’: Mining our genome’s dark matter for new disease treatments
The term junk DNA was used to describe sequences that that do not code for proteins. Largely ignored by researchers, ...
Male pregnancy may be closer than you think
As women begin to receive uterine transplants, the question is being asked of when they will be available for men ...
Even if you don’t believe in God, religion may shape your subconscious thinking
Although non-believers reject religion, Christian beliefs still shape much of Western thought. Both believers and non-believers have similar subconscious attitudes ...
Should it matter if the public is wary of gene editing and human enhancement?
A survey of people in the US and 10 European nations found opposition to some forms of gene editing for ...
TRAPPIST-1 mini-planetary system and what it means for the spread of life between worlds
Only a few dozen known worlds as small as the rocky worlds of our inner Solar System and orbiting within ...
Italian family’s inability to feel pain spurs research on relief for chronic sufferers
The six members of the family barely notice broken bones or severe burns. Researchers have identified the mutation behind their ...
What differentiates humans from chimps: Differing DNA or different expression of similar genes
Scientists have found genetic changes that make brains bigger and may help explain why we are so different from chimpanzees ...
Molecular clocks rewriting the story of human evolution
Analyzing DNA from present-day and ancient genomes provides a complementary approach for dating evolutionary events. By comparing DNA sequences, geneticists ...
Viewpoint: Why so many scientific studies are flawed and poorly understood
With misleading conclusions often reported from scientific research, it's important to be able to discern between legitimate studies and dubious ...
Gene therapy challenge: How much should it cost and how do we pay for it?
When evaluating the high prices of one-time gene therapy treatments, should we look to the costs of organ transplants when ...
