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
From dyslexia to distinction: Remembering Dr. Beryl Benacerraf — a pioneer who transformed prenatal and gynecologic care
When, in 2022, I came across the obituary of Dr. Beryl Benacerraf, I was reminded of her father’s connection with ...
Hairless humans: We have all the genes to go full Chewbacca, but they’re just turned off. Here’s why
Have you ever wondered why you don’t have thick hair covering your whole body like a dog, cat or gorilla ...
‘A novel is a great way to learn genetics’: A scene-based look at The Sirens, Middlesex and The Covenant of Water
I love when fiction unfurls a compelling tale whose protagonist has an ultrarare genetic disease.My most recent favorite is The Sirens ...
GLP podcast: Questionable COVID response fueled the MAHA movement. How should scientists respond?
One of the many troubling consequences of the COVID pandemic has been a resurgent anti-vaccine movement, brought to unprecedented prominence ...
Is RFK. Jr. protecting or endangering pregnant women by blocking the CDC from recommending COVID vaccines?
You're pregnant, healthy, and hearing mixed messages: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is not a ...
National Cancer Institute—world’s premier cancer research center—victim of RFK’s cuts and chaos agenda
The Trump administration’s broadsides against scientific research have caused unprecedented upheaval at the National Cancer Institute, the storied federal government ...
‘Wellness’ grifters’ pseudoscience imperils public health
In recent years, the $6.3 trillion global “wellness” industry has marketed itself as a liberating alternative to conventional medicine, promising ...
Video: Nuclear energy will destroy us? Global warming is an existential threat? Chemicals are massacring bees? Donate to the Green Industrial Complex!
In an eye-opening exchange, John Stossel sits down with Jon Entine, an award-winning journalist and Executive Director of the Genetic ...
Viewpoint: How the Washington Post became a megaphone for Green Billionaires peddling environmental misinformation
There was a time when environmental journalists at least made an effort to present their coverage in a balanced manner ...
Bird flu? Don’t worry, we fired the scientists
The Trump administration’s recent decision to cancel $766 million in funding to vaccine company Moderna for the development of a ...
Viewpoint: How well-intended mask mandates and lockdowns fueled the establishment science-skeptical MAHA movement
Every time I post about vaccine science, the responses are swift and predictable: "Where was the evidence for the lockdowns ...
KFF Part 9: From leadership to limbo – U.S. reviews commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic Literacy ...
KFF Part 8: U.S. policy shifts on vaccines create uncertain future for global immunization efforts
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic Literacy ...
KFF Part 7: U.S. foreign aid disruptions unravel global gains to control tuberculosis
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic Literacy ...
KFF Part 6: U.S. foreign health policy reverses 50 years of global maternal and child health progress
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic Literacy ...
GLP podcast: Has MAHA made vaccine denial a right-wing cause?
The ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. has fueled intense speculation about how politics influences vaccine hesitancy. With over 1,200 ...
KFF Part 5: Policy changes and funding cuts decimate U.S. support for global family planning
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic Literacy ...
KFF Part 4: ‘Slower responses, higher costs’ — What U.S. global aid cuts mean for pandemic preparedness
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic ...
On zombie health risks: RFK Jr.’s crusade against cell phones and vaccines
Are cell phones and our Wi-Fi based system threats to our health? Do they cause cancer and other health disorders? ...
KFF Part 3: How the U.S. aid freeze threatens the global fight against malaria
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic ...
GLP Spaces on X: Will MAHA harm or help US health care?
The MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement has big plans. "We are leading the charge to transform America’s approach to ...
KFF Part 2: From lifesaver to lifeline in peril — the future of global aids relief amid U.S. budget and bureaucratic overhaul
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic ...
KFF Part I: Global health in limbo — USAID’s collapse, CDC cuts, and high-stakes reorganization
Following numerous executive actions since January that have fundamentally changed U.S. foreign assistance, KFF, a partner organization of the Genetic ...
Trump’s tariffs: Beijing positions itself as stable biotech ally for the Global South as U.S. protectionism surges
In Kigali, Rwanda, nudging the gleaming avenue that links the city’s downtown to the airport, a quiet hum stirs the ...
Viewpoint: Darwin’s ‘Descent of Man’ is both deeply disturbing and more relevant than ever
Charles Darwin’s Descent of Man is full of unexpected delights — such as the trio of hard drinking, chain-smoking koalas ...
Viewpoint: RFK, Jr. wrongly demonizes the safe and effective HPV vaccine Gardasil
While HHS Secretary Kennedy frets over food dye in Froot Loops, his 2023 attack on Gardasil — a vaccine proven ...
Viewpoint: Are Trump’s MAHA policies making America healthier or sicker?
In his March address to Congress, President Donald Trump honored a Texas boy diagnosed with brain cancer. Amid bipartisan applause, ...
