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
Star Trek-like ‘tricorders’ promise DNA analysis on the go
We are rapidly approaching a time when Star Trek-style "tricorders" will offer rapid handheld analysis of genetic samples. It could ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Can changes acquired during an organism’s life be passed on?
Epigenetics Around the Web is a weekly roundup of the latest studies and news in the field of epigenetics presented ...
Genetics for public health: A lost cause?
Its power for discovering rare diseases is well proven. But genetics’ impact on public and preventative health has a long ...
Can probiotics help those suffering with metabolic syndrome, obesity?
In recent years, efforts to manage metabolic syndrome have fallen in with the lucrative, but untested weight loss market. Chief ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Alzheimer’s drug moves closer to patients
Epigenetics Around the Web is a weekly roundup of the latest studies and news in the field of epigenetics presented ...
Moderate drinking improves heart health? Genes say ‘not so fast’
While research has shown that drinking alcohol in moderation may help lower the risk of congenital heart defects, other data ...
Piltdown Man evolution hoax reminds us about danger of confirmation bias
A 100-year-old hoax involving the "discovery" of a missing link in the human evolution chain provides insights into the pitfalls ...
Genetics may have played a part in electing Trump president
Do our genetics influence whether we lean to the political left or right? It's obviously more complicated than that, but ...
The future is here: 3 ways technology can improve sustainability
Generating energy and using more land for crops increases atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. So does livestock farming. But there are ...
What genetics reveals about traditional Chinese medicine
Can Chinese medicine impact the human genome, and deliver on its promises? A variety of individual responses to these therapies ...
Transcranial magnetic stimulation: Can strong magnetics revive your sex drive?
If TMS, which is already FDA approved to treat depression, can reverse sexual dysfunction, it would be a boon particularly ...
Gene editing tool conundrum: CRISPR competitor NgAgo challenged over unreproducible results
A Chinese biologist raised the hopes of the scientific community when he announced the discovery of a gene editing tool ...
Jon Entine breaks taboos on sports and ‘race’, and the future of human genetic research
Why are black athletes--15% of the world population is of African descent--overrepresented in elite football and basketball, and in world ...
Vampire therapy: Can blood from the young fight aging?
Billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel has expressed his reluctance to age quite vocally. He has also put his money where ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Top stories from 2016
Epigenetics Around the Web is a weekly roundup of the latest studies and news in the field of epigenetics presented ...
Nature editorial ‘exploits public anxiety’ on endocrine disruptors
In December, the European Union member states will vote on proposed legislation to regulate endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Nature carried an editorial ...
Mystery of rare diseases: Why diagnoses remain elusive
Milo Loretzen is one of only three people in the world known to have been diagnosed with a mutation in ...
Environmental activist hypocrisy? ‘No’ to GMO mosquito but ‘yes’ to irradiated screwworm fly
Voters in Florida have approved a trial release of sterile, GM mosquitoes, which could reduce wild populations of disease-carrying ones ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Watch how epigenetic changes cause cancer
Epigenetics Around the Web is a weekly roundup of the latest studies and news in the field of epigenetics presented ...
Why racial diversity in genetics studies matters in patient care
DNA is approximately 99.5 percent similar across all humans. But there are key differences in that remaining half percent. Those ...
Big chill: Extreme exposure from cryotherapy probably doesn’t enhance athletic performance
Cryotherapy is quite the rage among pro-athletes as a means to improve performance and stave off injury. Lebron James reportedly ...
Epigenetics Around the Web: Should theory of evolution expand to include epigenetics?
Epigenetics around the web is a weekly roundup of the latest studies and news in the field of epigenetics. This ...
Why genetic engineering is blocked from eradicating ‘world’s deadliest killer’—disease-carrying mosquitoes
A GMO mosquitoes that could eliminate disease-carrying wild ones has succeded in field trials in the Caymans, Panama, and Brazil ...
Complex equation: How important are genetics in determining math skills?
What role does genetics play in determining mathematical aptitude? A cursory search will turn up articles claiming that genes account ...
Epigenetics around the web: Epigenetics initiative IHEC releases 41 studies in one day; your office has a microbiome
Epigenetics around the web is a weekly roundup of the latest studies and news in the field of epigenetics. This ...
What role do epigenetic changes play in development of autism?
What causes autism? The weight of scientific evidence implicates several genes, but genetics doesn't explain the whole story. Environmental factors ...
Ronda Rousey vs. Muhammad Ali: Does sex before athletic events impact performance?
Does sex the night before help or hurt athletic performance? Everyone from Plato to Joe Namath has weighed in on ...
