Human Genetics 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
Kenyans sweep distance races, Jamaicans sprints: How evolution has shaped elite sports
The results of the Rio Olympics, especially in track and field events, reinforce the now widely accepted theory that evolution ...
Epigenetic Zs: Could a bad night’s sleep alter your genes?
Sleep deprivation can not only ruin your day, it may change your DNA ...
Olympic health update: Zika vaccines, GMO mosquitoes, and snake oils
There's progress on a vaccine to combat as well as biotech solutions but there are also fake Zika solutions being ...
Will epigenetics play central role in advancement of precision medicine?
For many treatments it remains to be proven whether a drug's epigenetic actions, rather than another mechanism such as stimulation ...
Is crowdsourcing key to finding cures for genetic-based diseases like depression?
Fifteen gene loci are linked to depression using 23andMe user data in the most comprehensive study of the disease yet ...
Science communicators condemn Facebook’s censorship of pro-science “We Love GMOs and Vaccines”
Anti-GMO and anti-vaccine activists--many of them are the same--have manipulated Facebook to shut down a pro science site, stirring sharp ...
Synthetic biologists developing cells programmed to target, destroy cancer
Synthetic biology might be ready to graduate from cells engineered to perform only one task to multiple cells in a ...
Humans who can’t feel pain pointing way to non-addictive painkillers
Genes linked to pain detection and perception may be physiological targets for new, non-addictive painkillers ...
Tale of two sites: Science communication pitfalls covering Alzheimer’s drug
The same drug trial has been covered in completely different ways by various news outlets. It serves as a lesson ...
Y-chromosome not going extinct, but losing it may be risk factor for Alzheimer disease
The story of the Y chromosome began about 300 million years ago, when the ancestors of mammals diverged from reptiles ...
How many genomes is enough for US Precision Medicine Initiative?
FDA head says Precision Medicine Initiative should sequence one in every four Americans. Where will that money come from? And ...
Another modern myth: Shrinking attention spans
Are modern conveniences and technology causing our attention spans to shrink? No, actually they're just adapting ...
Transhumanism and 2016 Presidential race
Trump? Clinton? Johnson? How about Zoltan Istvan, he's the Transhumanist Party 2016 presidential candidate ...
Autism in our DNA? Slew of studies points to genetics as main driver, but there is no ‘autism gene’
Researchers are unlocking the mystery of autism's origin. Yes, it's mostly 'in the genes,' but what that means is one ...
40th anniversary of NASA’s Project Viking and beginning of search for Martian life
40 years ago, Project Viking first landed on Mars. NASA would conclude that the project found no evidence of life ...
Designer babies vs. Designing your baby: Can personal genomics harm your children?
You can now optimize your baby's life based on their personal genetics. But should you? ...
NASA’s spaceflight DNA sequencer: What will it do for science and medicine?
DNA sequencing equipment will be on board an upcoming mission to space. If Martian microbes exist, then this is one ...
Can understanding epigenetics help stave off 6th mass species extinction?
Species are disappearing from our planet at an alarming rate, can understanding how they regulate their genes help us save ...
Longevity is increasing: Can we extend our lifespan, one gene at a time?
How much do "good genes" matter? In some countries, average lifespan is creeping towards 90. New research is beginning to ...
ACLU to Myriad Genetics: Patients, not companies, own personal genetic data
Myriad Genetics is back in another legal dispute. This time it's in hot water for denying patients a portion of ...
Media again mangles epigenetics: Shutting off ‘love hormone’ unlikely to make us less social
LA Times coverage of a study involving the 'moral molecule' overstates the science of epigenetics ...
Discovery of stalagmites, burned bones provides insights into pre-modern Neanderthal culture
A new cache of artifacts found in a French cave are evidence of a rich Neanderthal culture and a reminder ...
Genetic test can predict Alzheimer’s disease risk in teens, but how accurate is it?
A new test predicts Alzheimer's disease risk in young people, but experts question how accurate it really is ...
Mosquito mysteries: Genetics of bite vulnerability
Scientists think there is a genetic component to who gets bitten most, but popular reports ignore a slew of other ...
Rhesus macaques provide scientists with model to study Zika, could lead to vaccine, treatments
Our fight against the Zika virus may have gotten a big lift with the announcement of a working primate model ...
Do GMO mosquitoes designed to eradicate Zika pose unique environmental risks?
Could we live without mosquitos? Maybe, but something else might take their place ...
Microbe genes key to minimizing environmental damage from Deepwater Horizon spill
Bacteria were instrumental in cleaning up the largest oil spill in world history. Does this mean a future for microbes ...
