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
Can zapping our brains with electricity boost learning?
A new study sheds light on why transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) -- now being tried by do-it-yourselfers -- doesn't ...
Bell Curve redux: Is the science of intelligence too taboo to research?
A new study identified genes linked to intelligence while a recent interview of political scientist Charles Murray, co-author of The ...
How to resist health scares: Review of Geoffrey Kabat’s ‘Getting Risk Right’
Public health regulations, particularly as regards to chemicals, are often driven by precautionary fears stirred by sloppy reporting sparked by ...
CRISPR study reporting ‘off-target mutations’ draws skepticism from other researchers
A new study found an alarming number of “off-target mutations” in mice that had their genes edited with CRISPR. But ...
Read ELP’s Nicholas Staropoli Reddit Science ‘Ask Me Anything’ on Epigenetics: Hype and Health
Editor’s Note: On Friday, June 2nd from 1pm–3pm EDT, ELP director Nicholas Staropoli hosted a Reddit-science Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) about the hype surrounding ...
Question of intelligence: How much can we attribute to our genes?
A new study offers evidence that intelligence is primarily affected by our genes. But that doesn't mean education, healthy living ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Microbiome boom; and What links Native American repatriations to epigenetics? Nothing
This week’s features: CNN story on UCLA professor botches 'epigenetics and Indians'; and why you shouldn't trust personalized microbiome tests--yet ...
What role might genes play in ‘creating’ terrorists?
As more terrorism sweeps across the globe, scientists begin to look at a biological basis for organized violent behavior ...
Lose energy after eating broccoli or taking aspirin? Mystery behind salicylate intolerance
The rare disorder has proven difficult for doctors to diagnose, but some estimates suggest the condition is more common than ...
Can the evolution of elephants show us how to treat, prevent cancer?
Elephants have had 55 million years to figure out how to resist cancer. An analysis shows that elephants express many ...
Early warning child allergy detection system? Competing theories of how to inoculate children against developing reactions
Allergic reactions to foods can strike young children without warning. Now, a controversial blood test may be able to detect ...
Colon cancer rates spiking among millennials, but no one knows why
It might be tempting for activists to blame GMOs for the rise in colon cancer rates among younger people, but ...
Cesarean section: How this booming birth procedure influences human evolution
The rising use of C-sections around the world is altering the survival rates of mothers and fetuses who might not ...
Environmental health: Study linking chemicals and pollution to increased cancers misses mark
Albert Einstein epidemiologist: A hyped study found lung cancer in men DECREASES as environmental quality gets worse but there is ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Integrative medicine physicians and new book ‘Born Anxious’ fail Epigenetics 101
A new book hyped by several sites is likely based on pseudoscience, which underscores why physicians need to be more ...
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 ...
