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
Behold the octopus: Problem solver, tool user and now, gene editor
The more we learn about octopuses and squids, the more mysterious they become. The ability to edit their own RNA ...
Ethiopian Jewry: Genetics of the Beta Israel muddied by historical slave ownership
Rarely mentioned by academics is the fact that Ethiopian Jews historically owned slaves. From a genetics perspective, it means this ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Epigenetics and health in 2030, botched vitamin B cure, and more
This week’s features: Vitamin B still won't protect you from air pollution, and epigenetics and the city of 2030. Plus, ...
Are we ready to welcome intelligent robots into the human family?
Artificial intelligence (AI) may become so advanced that some computer minds achieve consciousness and self-awareness. Would these machines be granted ...
Are we ready, without professional help, to decide what to do when our genes tell us we have a potential disorder?
The FDA's decision to allow 23andMe to offer consumers disease screening has triggered a debate over whether the public is ...
DNA test limits: Current direct-to-consumer tests provide only a glimpse into our ancestry
In a recent story that made headlines, a woman’s DNA test showed she was a descendant of a lost tribe ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: No, income inequality does not cause epigenetic changes, botching Lamarck, and more
A psychology professor claims that income inequality is causing epigenetic changes and a Huffington Post article on climate change and ...
Glowing trees, no more colonoscopies and other wonders of synthetic biology
Synthetic biology offers the opportunity to create a wide array of novel life forms, products and approaches to medicine -- ...
Seeing patterns that aren’t there? Understanding how the brain forms opinions — And implications for science
Humans have a natural inclination to 'order the world,' our minds imposing familiar patterns on the chaos of life. Could ...
This year’s flu vaccine has been 50% effective, and that’s not shabby
This season's vaccine was more effective than those of the previous two years at reducing influenza-related hospitalizations ...
Time to amend human embryo research ’14-day rule’?
The rule that cuts off research on human embryos at 14 days gestation is based on an arbitrary time limit ...
‘Rape gene’? Law and Order SVU episode muddies genetic literacy waters
A popular television show delivers a questionable message on genetic determinism and the the issue of why some men resort ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: No, Dr. Sarah Gottfried, we can’t control genes with lifestyle tweaks, and more
This week’s features: An MD is pushing pseudoscience to sell her new book and a word of caution about epigenetics ...
Born killer or normal mind? Genes, brain scans and mental health
What's a normal mind? Do brain scans provide any insight? The answer is stranger than you think ...
4 human genetics organizations that put ideology ahead of science
There are legitimate concerns about the rapid pace of genetics research. But some of the most well known groups seen ...
Diabetes: Origins and treatments undergoing revolutionary rethink?
New research suggests that type 1 diabetes might not be directly autoimmune in origin, and that tracking blood glucose might not ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Avoid Craigslist for epigenetics advice; Engineering superhumans
Futurism's claims about the potential of epigenetics to create superhumans are about as scientific as a superhero comic book...and other ...
Fatty acids: How do all those omegas affect your health?
Omega 7 fatty acids are suddenly the rage in health circles. They are found in macadamia nuts, certain meats and ...
2 young leukemia patients cured with T-cell immunotherapy using genetically engineered donor cells
Gene-edited immune cells cure two British babies with childhood leukemia. But instead of patient-specific cells, doctors used cheaper universal cells ...
Privacy perils: Impact of legislation that would strip genetic secrecy protections in US
Employers could force workers to divulge private genetic information under Republican-sponsored legislation making its way through Congress. It could have ...
Beta Israel reconsidered: Defending the Israelite ancestry of Ethiopian Jews
Ethiopian Jews are often portrayed in modern media and in some academic texts as having no true ancient ancestral connection ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Spinach, turnips likely won’t protect you from air pollution, and more
This week’s features: BBC's poor decision to cover study claiming vitamin B protects against air pollution and experts join ELP ...
French men getting less sexy? As sperm counts slide, activists point to pesticides, scientists to vegetables
Studies have found vegetarians have lower sperm count and that French men in the 1980s had higher sperm counts than ...
Glyphosate: Dangerous chemical or anti-GMO bogeyman?
Glyphosate has drawn scrutiny and criticism like no other chemical in agriculture since the controversy over DDT. But years of ...
Casting a wider net: Expanded carrier screening recommended for cystic fibrosis, other genetic diseases
All prospective parents should have carrier screening for a range of genetic disorders, according to new recommendations by the American ...
Too much knowledge? Should you sequence your baby’s genome?
Is there such a thing as having too much information about the health of your newborn? With the cost of ...
Psychotherapy revival: Can “talk” therapy change our brains and genes?
"Talk therapy" has fallen out of fashion as being more art than science. But new research suggests that psychotherapy may ...
