Genetics

Genetics

Drug candidate fails to improve symptoms of fragile X syndrome

A drug designed to treat fragile X syndrome has proven ineffective in clinical trials.

Genetics

The Iceman tells a new tale: Infection with ulcer-causing bacteria

Ötzi the Iceman was infected with a virulent strain of H. pylori. A new study is the first to piece together an ancient genome of these bacteria.

Life

Gene tweak led to humans’ big toe

For lack of gene regulator, the human big toe appeared.

Science & Society

Climate, new physics and Jupiter on the horizon for 2016

The first issue of the new year features stories about what will, editor in chief Eva Emerson predicts, hold on as scientific newsmakers during 2016.

Animals

Ants’ size and profession controlled by chemical tags on DNA

Epigenetic marks determine whether female Florida carpenter ants are soldiers or foragers.

Genetics

Roosters run afoul of genetic rules

Moms aren’t always the only ones that pass mitochondrial DNA to offspring, a study of chickens finds.

Genetics

Year in review: Breakthrough gene editor sparks ethics debate

The gene editing system CRISPR has opened the door to new scientific advancements — and ethical concerns.

Life

Year in review: Microbe discoveries spur rethink of treetop of life

Microbes discovered in Arctic mud this year could be the closest relatives yet found to the single-celled ancestor that made life so complicated.

Genetics

Year in review: Epigenome makes its debut

The Roadmap Epigenomics Project, unveiled in February 2015, is the first in a series of 3-D looks at the human genome.

Genetics

Year in review: Cancer genetics grows up

Researchers looking for mutations linked to cancer have found that not all genetic alterations should be targeted equally.

Animals

Year in review: New dates, place proposed for dogs’ beginnings

This year’s dog research suggested older origins and a new location of domestication for man's best friend.

Genetics

Year in review: Fluke extinction surprises lab

A die-off of bacteria in a carefully controlled lab experiment offered an evolutionary lesson this year: Survival depends not only on fitness but also on luck.