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
Could gene editing, Prozac or choline treat Down Syndrome?
Scientists may be closing in on an effective treatment for Down Syndrome. But questions abound as to the ethics of ...
Where should scientists focus search for extraterrestrial intelligence?
As scientists continue to probe the far-reaches of the universe for other intelligent beings, some are suggesting we switch our ...
‘Scientists grow human brain in a lab’–The science reality behind the headlines
Reports of an "almost fully formed brain" grown in the lab using stem cells made headlines recently. Did media jump ...
Mutated genes don’t always lead to genetic diseases
Sonia Vallabh, a scientist, carries a rare mutation that normally causes a neurodegenerative disease. But how likely is it she ...
If you’re indifferent about reading this article, it may be genetic
Being apathetic may feel like following the path of least resistance. But studies of apathy in the brain show otherwise ...
Are genetically engineered mosquitoes realistic solution to Zika?
Several modern genetic tools are being developed to reduce or eliminate mosquitoes that carry epidemic causing viruses. Is it realistic ...
Gene editing on human embryos would not create ‘designer babies’
Despite some concerns over 'super-humans' and 'designer babies,' genome editing of human embryos likely to produce only modest edits to ...
Spread of GM mosquito conspiracy theory hurts fight against Zika
False claims circulating about GM mosquitoes causing the Zika virus outbreak are threatening to take the focus away from more ...
Does ‘humanizing’ mice for drug experiments pose ethical challenges for researchers?
Mice are being genetically altered to aid in drug research. What ethical and medical concerns might this pose? ...
Biotechnology, synthetic biology keys to humans colonizing other planets
The lack of technology for such sustainable life support systems is a major factor underlying criticism of human space exploration ...
Meditation, mindfulness may affect way your genes behave
Mindfulness has shown efficacy in treating some conditions, which has lead researchers to look for a biological mechanism. One theory ...
Ape-to-human, pig-to-human blood donations: Could xenotransfusions work?
Scientists have long known of blood similarities between humans and other animals, so why have xenotransfusions yet to become common ...
What next for Editas? First gene-editing company to go public
Is the Cambridge-based company Editas truly ready for the big time or is it trying to capitalize on technological hype? ...
Could genetically engineered mosquitoes fight vector-borne diseases like dengue and Zika?
Can genetically engineering mosquitos control Zika and dengue? Field trials in Brazil may provide the answer ...
Everything you need to know about Zika, virus that’s spreading like wildfire
What is known about the Zika virus, an infection linked to birth defects. Could it arrive in the United States ...
Ultrasound may help cancer drugs penetrate blood-brain barrier
The blood-brain barrier serves as a major obstacle for treating brain cancers, but several groups are having success forcing the ...
Are products touted as supporting ‘healthy gut-biome’ scamming consumers?
The microbiome is a promising area of research for disease treatments. Just avoid the scams ...
Accuracy of eyewitness testimony: Is it all in our head?
The credibility of eyewitness testimony has taken some hits from DNA evidence-based refutation of memory. But there's more here than ...
Should healthy patients with disease genes be told of their genetic risks?
Many people with gene variants that might cause disease have a very low risk of getting sick. Telling patients may ...
Sports and war: When it comes to concussions, not much difference between football and fighting
Recent evidence is surfacing of ‘early aging’ in the brains of troops as a result of experiencing bomb blasts. It ...
Genes illuminate how the brain ‘thinks’
Monitoring brain functions can tell us a lot about neurobiological structures and what's going on. But now we have the ...
Concussion risk: How much weight should genetics carry
As we attempt to establish risk factors for concussions and similar traumas, how much weight should we give genetics? ...
Gene therapy is doing all that we’d hoped for* *(so far)
New gene therapies are showing evidence of advancing our treatment of genetic diseases. Scientists are 5 years along the 15 ...
Science deniers stay home: Synthetic biology crucial to human missions to Mars
Bioprocessing of lunar materials will allow us to transport more people and non-consumable supplies (such as equipment) back and forth, ...
Endocrine disruption and fat-causing “obesogen” theories crumbling as research rolls in
The theory that certain industrial chemicals disrupt our endocrine system and contribute to obesity gained traction in some rat studies ...
Not in our stars but our DNA: Is faith and embrace of religion (and astrology) hardwired?
Our beliefs, including irrational ones and an embrace of pseudoscience, have been shown to be largely independent of one’s educational ...
Cancer and the bad luck of random mutations
New research suggests the risk of most cancers can be attributed to environmental factors, countering the so called "bad luck" ...
