Daily Human Digest
Every day, the staff of the Genetic Literacy Project scours the Web for stories on a range of human genetics issues, including gene editing, regulations and bioethics, gene therapy, epigenetics, personal genomics, evolution, ancestry and artificial intelligence. We publish excerpts of those stories and encourage our readers to visit the original publications for the complete stories.
Genes should not be patentable
The Supreme Court will decide whether human genes can be patented. If the Supremes allow genes to be patented, that ...
Advanced genetic tests spot more defects before birth
Birth defects can be spotted more precisely with advanced genetic tests that are performed on a fetus than with current ...
Geneticists and physicists collaborate on a DNA dark matter detector
DNA may help out in the hunt for dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up 25 percent of the ...
Concerns arise in Chinese bid for genomics firm
The pending sale of a major American gene-mapping company to a Chinese firm is sparking yet another dust-up over what ...
Stem cells for babies
Premature babies often have to be put on breathing machines because their lungs aren't fully developed, and some develop a ...
Genetically distinct lion population should be conserved
Every day 20 unusual lions greet visitors at a tiny animal park in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These lions, which have ...
DNA may help scientists find dark matter
That wonder molecule of life on Earth, DNA, is now being enlisted in the search for an exotic species zooming ...
Attack of the clone cliches
A story in the New York Post on Sunday warned New Yorkers about a new threat menacing our city: a ...
Genetic screening: Do you really want to know what might eventually kill you?
Americans spend more than $5 billion annually on genetic testing for everything from Alzheimer's to breast cancer to Huntington's disease, ...
Darwin and eugenics
My last few posts on eugenics has generated a debate that others might find interesting. Eugenics is the attempt to ...
Groundbreaking stem cell surgery earns backlash
Tommie Prins, 32, from Milnerton, told the Cape Argus last week he was “honoured” to be the first known patient ...
Genome sequencing for babies brings knowledge and conflicts
Genome sequencing deciphers an individual's entire genetic code. The price of doing this has been dropping quickly, raising the possibility ...
Genomics revolution: UK could miss the boat, scientists warn
The UK has a huge opportunity to lead the world in disease discovery, treatments and cures. But support from the NHS and ...
Mixed views on Myriad after Supreme Court agrees to rehear case
NEW YORK – Wall Street analysts took a mixed view of Myriad Genetics today following the announcement on Friday by ...
Short DNA strands may be key to understanding human cognition and diseases
Short snippets of DNA found in human brain tissue provide new insight into human cognitive function and risk for developing ...
Does DNA profiling violate privacy rights?
Plain DealerDNA profiles vs. sequences: Jacob S. SherkowPlain DealerThough there are federal laws that prohibit genetic discrimination, many people, nonetheless, ...
Supreme Court to decide whether human genes can be patented
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear, for a second time, a lawsuit challenging patents held by Myriad Genetics on ...
Childhood trauma leaves mark on DNA of some victims
Abused children are at high risk of anxiety and mood disorders, as traumatic experience induces lasting changes to their gene ...
Pathway to transhumanism differs for political right and left
Transhumanist thought has been no exception, evident across the political spectrum - but tending to differ in line with the ...
Human genetic diversity exploded in recent millennia
Most of the genetic quirks people carry today popped up within the last 5,000 years or so, researchers report online ...
Gattaca’s future is now, “God help us all”
Anyone who thinks that the widespread adoption of Whole Genome Sequencing, especially if it’s used in utero, won’t result in ...
New class of genes may shed light on evolutionary mysteries
The decade or so since the completion of the Human Genome Project has shown that lots of the junk must ...
Patient’s own blood used to create personalized stem cells
A patient's own blood has been used to make personalised stem cells, which doctors hope will eventually be used to ...
Real-time genetics could squash “superbug” outbreaks
Genetic sequences of drug-resistant bacteria have helped scientists better understand how these dastardly infections evolve—and elude treatment. But these superbugs ...
Engineered plants and bacteria could mine platinum
“We have access to a global dataset of plant/crop genetics and capabilities that will allow us to identify suitable native ...
Bioethics expert warns against GM babies plan
The Christian InstituteBioethics expert warns against GM babies planThe Christian InstituteBritish proposals to create genetically modified babies with three or ...
Researchers create a fly to study how a normal cell turns cancerous
Researchers create a fly to study how a normal cell turns cancerousHealthCanal.comThe study, conducted on Drosophila melanogaster by scientists at ...
