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
Viewpoint: AI and consciousness—How we will ethically interact with robots as they develop the ‘intelligence’ to show feelings
Sooner than we think, public opinion is going to diverge along ideological lines around rights and moral consideration for artificial intelligence ...
Viewpoint: Everything is a carcinogen! Here’s why there are so many lawsuits claiming safe chemicals cause cancer
Somewhere in Berkeley, California, Ramazzini fellow, Martyn T Smith, is looking out of his window dreaming of methods to find ...
Viewpoint: 98 years ago, Carrie Buck was labeled an ‘imbecile’ and ordered sterilized. Today, the wealthy can select the ‘best genes’ for their child. Is there a difference?
Almost 100 years ago, Carrie Buck was raped, labeled an “imbecile,” and sterilized by order of the state — all ...
Viewpoint: NGO deception III—Opportunistic activists promote expensive and unrealistic ‘cures’ to fake sustainability crises
The ‘Filthy Fifteen’ exposes the worst ‘environmental and health ‘fear profiteers’ and campaigns—from activist ideologues to corporate opportunists—who knowingly spread ...
GLP podcast: Legalize all drugs? Here’s an ER doctor’s perspective
As an increasing number of US states begin to liberalize their drug laws, allowing recreational use of marijuana and even ...
Viewpoint: NGO deception II—How environmental activists turn faux chemical crises into marketing and fundraising bonanzas
The ‘Filthy Fifteen’ exposes the worst environmental and health ‘fear profiteers’ and campaigns—from activist ideologues to corporate opportunists—who knowingly spread ...
Viewpoint: NGO deception I — 5 environmental health activist bogus fear campaigns
The ‘Filthy Fifteen’ exposes the worst environmental and health ‘fear profiteers’ and campaigns—from activist ideologues to corporate opportunists—who knowingly spread ...
Commemoration or Condemnation? Memory, morality, and the meaning of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
August 6 is one of the most consequential anniversaries for Americans, our World War II allies, and Japan—each for different ...
Science and the courts need to better distinguish between correlations and causation
Correctly distinguishing between correlation and causation is critical because it influences how treatments for illnesses are devised and tested. Also, ...
Ectogenesis: How artificial placentas could aid premature babies, upend entrenched abortion views
Survival rates are likely to be improved for infants born prematurely, and those requiring invasive treatments -- including surgery, cell ...
GLP podcast: COVID shots in 2025. Who needs a booster and why?
Five years after COVID-19 began to turn the world upside down, controversy continues to rage around the life-saving mRNA vaccines ...
Prescription roulette personalized medicine: How genetic testing could eliminate many drug side effects
For millions of Americans, taking medication is a routine and necessary part of maintaining health, but if you’ve watched drug ...
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 ...
