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
Are our views on religion, astrology and new-age beliefs hardwired?
Our beliefs, including irrational ones such as an embrace of pseudoscience and 'fake news', have been shown to be somewhat ...
Isolated influenza mutations may help predict future global flu trends
A study of flu evolution in four patients with long-term infections revealed mutations that later appeared, independently, around the world ...
How facial recognition software may help identify genetic disorders
The technology might help in diagnosing rare genetic disorders. But the depiction of its promises and challenges by the media ...
Ignore at your own peril: Race plays role in cancer and other health risks
It may be uncomfortable to discuss, but there are genetic and biological differences among races and genders. Ignoring these factors ...
Why identifying ‘autism genes’ is so elusive
Researchers are unlocking the mystery of autism's origin. Yes, it's mostly 'in the genes,' but what that means is one ...
Did life originate on Earth? It’s becoming more difficult to say ‘yes’
Discovery of Earth-sized planets and of microbial fossils as old as 4.5 billion years may shed light on the question ...
Gut feeling: Microbiota could aid fight against depression, high blood pressure and weight gain
The trillions of microorganisms in the gut affect our physical and mental state in myriad ways. Can we influence this ...
Rare genetic diseases can arise from unsuspecting carriers
Discovery of the rare disease -- marked by blindness, deafness, fragile bones and albinism -- could lead to genetic screening ...
Are your food choices killing you?
Scientists, the media and policymakers often make glib connections between certain foods, nutrition and disease. The links are a lot ...
To combat evolution denial, teach kids genetics first
A new study suggests teaching children genetics first may help them better understand how and why humans have evolved ...
Smoking and health: Genetic revolution transforming medical marijuana and tobacco
Our increased understanding of plant genetics has potential to help smokers quit and provide patients with the medicinal benefits of ...
Evolution and war: The ‘deep roots’ theory of human violence
War has long been viewed as a way for societies to acquire wealth and power, even though it often doesn't ...
Drug weapons: Computer designed proteins prepare to battle the next pandemic
Researchers are using computer modeling to design new antiviral proteins that could slow down, or stop, global outbreaks of deadly ...
Bladder control: Is there a genetic treatment for urinary incontinence?
Treatment options for urinary incontinence may be revealed through a genome-wide association study searching for genes that may contribute to ...
Transgenic spider silk: About superheroes, medical devices and space elevators
Maybe you'd like to be bullet proof like Superman or shoot silk from your body to fling between buildings like ...
Mummy DNA: Ancient Egyptians more Middle Eastern than today’s African-mixed population
Scientists have extracted and sequenced DNA from 151 Egyptian mummies with more certainty than ever. They found that ancient Egyptians ...
Are doctors disregarding racial genetic risk factors when treating patients?
We know that some population groups are at greater risk for developing certain diseases. But a recent study says many ...
HIV fix: Can gene editing work alongside the virus to provide a cure?
HIV is no longer a death sentence in much of the developed world. But effective treatment in developing nations needs ...
Poop doping: No, elite athletes can’t improve performance by optimizing gut bacteria
The sports, science and mainstream media have circulated a scientist's claim that optimizing gut bacteria is the secret to elite ...
Settling of the Americas: Searching for pieces of the puzzle
DNA analysis of two ancient infants adds to evidence that humans stayed on the Bering strait for thousands of years ...
Pigs as human organ incubators? Pork producers gear up for potential demand
The pork industry is watching the potentially lucrative market that could be driven by a surge in demand for pigs ...
Cancer quest: Can we drive down the cost of promising immunotherapy treatments?
The so-called fourth pillar of cancer therapy still has a major drawback - high cost that make gold appear cheap ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Trump isn’t affecting human evolution and organic produce isn’t helping your sperm
Is Donald Trump adversely affecting human evolution? One professor's opinion shows how the left politicizes science too; Men's Health quotes ...
Deep-space travel, colonization may rely on genetically engineered life forms
Space exploration fires the imagination but presents many practical challenges—among them, how humans or organisms chosen to accompany us can ...
Moroccan fossils: New thinking on human evolution shaped by technological advancements
In recent years, we have witnessed an acceleration of discoveries related to the evolution of humanity. This is due to ...
Modern people making Stone Age tools offers glimpse into evolution of intelligence
The brain networks we rely on for complex tasks were likely evolving around 1.8 million years ago--allowing our ancestors to ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Q&A on hype of epigenetics and health link on Reddit Science ‘Ask Me Anything’
Epigenetics Literacy Project's Nicholas Staropoli took to Reddit Science to answer questions and debunk myths about the budding, yet controversial, ...
