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
Orthorexia nervosa: Do anti-GMO activists and shoppers have it?
Orthorexia nervosa is being evaluated as a possible psychiatric diagnosis -- which is causing symptoms of anxiety among some elites ...
Why humans uniquely live long enough to become grandparents
The Grandma Hypothesis suggests that humans were evolutionarily successful because older females helped their daughters raise children. But living beyond ...
White privilege? Will Western activists block CRISPR solution to protecting millions of Africans against malaria?
Scientists now have the ability to eradicate one the world's most deadly diseases--malaria, which kills as many as 2.7 million ...
What makes us take risks? Can viruses affect our thinking ability?
Our body surfaces contain a wide range of microorganisms. The biological effects of these organisms, including on our brain and ...
James Watson: Basing ‘war on cancer’ on genome research diverts resources
Billions have been spent on the "ultimate weapon" against cancer--gene-based, personalized medicine. But the money may be mis-aimed on the ...
Could we functionally cure HIV through gene editing?
Charlie Sheen’s HIV announcement put AIDs back in the headlines. Gene editing may provide the chance to eliminate the disease ...
Why Americans respond to drug placebos more than any other nationality
Remarkably the placebo effect--a fake treatment in which a person taking an inactive substance like sugar, water or saline solution ...
Obesity is in our head and in our genes
The sources of obesity look more biological, and less psychological, which opens new avenues toward addressing the crisis. Finding answers ...
Why elephants almost never get cancer–and why that might save human lives
Why don’t elephants die of cancer nearly as often as humans, even though they have about 100 times as many ...
Understanding the Obesity Paradox: Why being overweight may be less concerning than being unfit
Instead of focussing purely on weight, an approach that also considers physical fitness provides the greatest potential to promote health ...
Immune therapy for cancer needs the right gut stuff
A patient’s microbiome influences how well a new class of immune system cancer drugs work ...
Will Chipotle’s food poisoning scare and Fukushima rethink help society overcome radiation phobia?
Hype about radiation dangers is ever present, as we live in a radiophobic society, but the Chipotle food poisoning incidents ...
White House announces microbiome initiative but science on gut bacteria still unsettled
The Unified Microbiome Initiative seeks to unlock the mystery of the human biome and the role of genetics in shaping ...
Can GMOs cure cancer? Genetically engineered algae found to kill cancer cells
Scientists have genetically engineered algae, transforming them into targeted drug delivery systems to target cancer. It's worked in the lab ...
Clarifying ionophores: NRDC muddies science by suggesting all animal antibiotics lead to resistance crisis
The Natural Resources Defense Council is the latest advocacy group to call for a broad based ban on antibiotics in ...
Transgenic pigs may usher in brave new world of xenotransplantation
Genetic engineering is poised to make xenotransplantation a reality ...
Drug reverses aging — in rats. Could it help humans?
An allergy drug shows promising results in retarding or reversing aging in rodents. What are next steps to see if ...
Medical first use of gene editing in humans, reversing leukemia, points to promising future
With this leukemia reversal, gene editing has now demonstrated remarkable promise and fueled optimism about future uses. But experts urge ...
Transgenic tinkering here to stay: Embracing biotechnology in the home
Just as people today need to be computer literate, competing in the near future will require genetic literacy too, so ...
Gene therapy on brink of golden age: Here’s why
Just as vaccination began first for smallpox, then expanded to a handful of other diseases and has since expanded to ...
The high-risk world of rare genetic diseases
judging from headlines, rare diseases seem like afflictions of the wealthy. But they are widespread and attention is finally drawing ...
CRISPR crisis: Is UK researcher’s human embryo gene editing research cause for worry?
A UK researcher has applied for a license to conduct human embryo genome editing research, raising concerns among some that ...
Gene therapy for malaria: Benefits far outweigh the risks
There's a new treatment emerging for malaria, a kind of gene therapy that makes the malaria parasite more susceptible to ...
Has FDA approval of 23andMe tests put the personal genetics revolution back on track?
Fresh off FDA approval, 23andMe is selling its direct-to-consumer tests again. What does this mean for personal genetics testing as ...
Colicins dilemma: Bio-pharmed food-borne illness-fighting drug in anti GMO dungeon
Colicins are a natural antibacterial that could help reduce outbreaks of infectious disease. But they face a lot of opposition ...
TNT’s “The Last Ship” shadows Ebolavirus crisis: How realistic is a contagious vaccine?
It’s wildly imaginative and the science breakthroughs and clinical development of a breathable treatment happen all too quickly on the ...
Twin study in space: Gemini mid-mission update on pathbreaking nature-nuture research
In genetic research, twin studies are the gold standard to address the nature/nurture quandary. The current space mission highlights the ...
