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
Wine as magic elixir? The debate thickens
Is wine good or bad for you? Much of the attention surrounding the drink has focused on the compound resveratrol ...
Should we trust experiments on one patient? Lessons from BioViva’s anti-aging gene therapy
The CEO of biotech company BioViva is a healthy woman in her mid forties, but last September she become her ...
Life insurance companies deny coverage to those with cancer genes like BRCA
US law bars discrimination against based on a person's genetics, but the law only protects in certain areas, which is ...
Lab grown human embryos: Scientific progress collides with ethical dilemma
New achievements in our ability to grow and maintain human embryos in the lab point to great promise, but also ...
Natural News’ Mike Adams libelously attacks Science-Based Medicine’s David Gorski
The "Health Ranger" is known for his attacks against science advocates, even encouraging they be killed for supporting vaccinations. Now ...
Kid’s academic achievement? Scale tips towards genetics
Some scientific work suggests parenting activities don't impact intelligence in children much and have little impact on academic achievement. Is ...
Testing babies for genetic diseases: Are we ready for next generation screens?
New-generation sequencing may deliver faster answers for newborn screening, but what if they're not the right answers? ...
Can we treat aging? Anti-aging supplements make big promises based on little science
New compounds that slow cellular aging in experiments are emerging in the dietary supplement market. But with no studies in ...
Moving around and fooling around: Tracking early human matings
Mating with other species is a very common occurrence in nature, but have humans ever done it? ...
Inuit Paradox: Can we all eat lots of fat without weight gain or heart disease?
It used to be "French paradox" now it's Inuits: Eat lots of fat and never gain weight or have heart ...
CRISPR may help neuroscientists unlock genetics of psychiatric disease
We still have much to learn about the genetics of the human brain, but advances in gene editing have allowed ...
Getting humans to Mars may rely on space twins, astronaut roundworms, and epigenetics
Do your genes change their behavior during space travel? Experiments on the epigenetics of astronauts may soon provide an answer ...
With advances in gene editing, CRISPR: How close are we to sci-fi thriller Gattaca?
With recent advances in gene editing, some worry that this could lead society down a path to Gattaca? But is ...
Do ‘genetic superheroes’ exist? Or did media overhype Resilience Project?
A study claimed to identify 13 'genetic superheroes.' The media hyped it, claiming these 'resilient' individuals may hold the key ...
Next job for the microbiome: Tagging criminals
The microbiome may have a new application; solving crimes. Unless it doesn't work ...
Why it matters that Sanders aligns with conservatives on funding stem cell and cloning research
Bernie Sanders has consistently aligned with social conservatives on human cloning and stem cell research. What could this mean for ...
Beyond microcephaly: Can Zika virus cause auto-immune disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Much of the discussion about the Zika virus has been about its ability to cause microcephaly. But now evidence has ...
Epigenetic clinics promise big results, but should public, media be skeptical of claims?
Many companies are promising new cures based on epigenetic tests. How can the media evaluate these claims and report them ...
Despite recent reports, vegetarianism does not cause cancer
A recent study reported on the evolution of a 'vegetarian gene' in populations. Somehow the press turned this into: vegetarianism ...
Next-generation genetics offer new way to combat hospital infections
In the face of antibiotic resistant bacteria, hospitals still use century-old detection methods. New gene sequencing methods will change that ...
Artificial uterus: How close is the reality?
Nobody is working on an artificial uterus that can carry a fetus for the entirety of a pregnancy. But medical ...
Can epigenetics explain the negative effects of smoking during pregnancy?
It is widely known that smoking during pregnancy has negative impacts on the future child. Could epigenetics underlie the link ...
Reflections on Craig Venter’s synbio creation: Life, from scratch
A high profile team creates a bacteria by building its genome block by block, but what's the point? ...
You think “eugenics” is a discredited practice? Think again, it’s back.
Is eugenics a historical evil poised for a comeback? Or is it a noble but oft-abused concept, finally being done ...
Can DNA identify injury-prone athletes? Soccer giant Barcelona believes so. Should you?
Some sports teams have experimented with using personalized genetic data to help manage player injuries, despite the science on this ...
Did life begin in intense heat or cold? Maybe both
Earth's Archaeon eon, the time when life emerged, may not have been as hot as scientists had previous thought. But ...
Our microbiome: Separating hype from health
What impact does our microbiome have on our health? A lot claim many, but we have a long way to ...
