genetics

A woman's hands hold a medical tube next to a small box.

Gene therapy is a game changer for medicine — but comes with a hefty price tag

As genetic information becomes more readily available because of companies like 23andMe, scientists are finding new ways to treat diseases through gene therapy.

Gene therapy is a game changer for medicine — but comes with a hefty price tag

The Ethics of Synthetic Biology

The Ethics of Synthetic Biology
DNA

Modern-day tribes still carry traces of colonial devastation in their DNA

Modern-day tribes still carry traces of colonial devastation in their DNA
Zebrafish

If other animals can regenerate their limbs, why can’t humans?

If other animals can regenerate their limbs, why can’t humans?

Where Do We Come From?

Where Do We Come From?
human body

The (near) future of body modification

We’re much closer to genetically modifying ourselves than you think. But professor Michael Bess warns that toying with our genetics could create a divide between the modified and unmodified.

The (near) future of body modification
Toast (white bread) just popped up from the toaster

We're toast, genetically speaking. (Well, a little bit.)

As surprising as it may seem, humans share a common genetic ancestor with yeast. Yes, yeast. Now researchers have shown that even today, some human genes swapped into a yeast cell will function identically as the yeast genes they replaced.

We're toast, genetically speaking. (Well, a little bit.)
CRISPR is different from other gene editing techniques. It emerged from basic research into how bacteria fight off infections. Scientists realized they could use CRISPR to identify and cut apart specific DNA sequences in any cell.

A promising gene editing method causes ethical controversy

Even with good intentions and legitimate potential medical applications, gene research poses ethical debate and concern among scientists, many of whom have called for a worldwide moratorium on its use. That's no different for a new method called CRISPR, which is splitting scientific opinion.

A promising gene editing method causes ethical controversy
DNA sequences like the one pictured in this image can help predict diseases for patients and their families, but the ethics and legality of sharing that information among family members are still unformed.

When should your genetic information trump your right to privacy?

Sequencing the first human genome cost a whopping $2.7 billion; today it costs only about $1,000. But now that genomic testing a lot more accessible, are we ready to deal with the legal and ethical questions surrounding genetic information?

When should your genetic information trump your right to privacy?
Scanning electron micrograph of HIV particles infecting a human H9 T cell, colorized in blue, turqoise, and yellow.

A new study suggests the HIV virus may be getting weaker

A new study suggests that HIV, like other diseases in history, may be getting less virulent over time. But the study's authors warn there's still plenty of danger from HIV/AIDS.

A new study suggests the HIV virus may be getting weaker
People hold signs during one of many worldwide "March Against Monsanto" protests against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and agro-chemicals, in Los Angeles on October 12, 2013.

Why the term GMO is 'scientifically meaningless'

Genetically modified crops are a big part of both our food supply and our debates about health and safety. But some scientists and observers argue those debates are getting the science of GMOs wrong, and grouping together crops that don't belong in the same argument.

Why the term GMO is 'scientifically meaningless'

Green Fluorescent Protein Bunny

Green Fluorescent Protein Bunny