Genetics

  1. Health & Medicine

    Gene variant linked to robust flu vaccine response

    Targeting an immune signaling protein called interleukin-28B might boost protection generated by flu shots.

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  2. Genetics

    Early heart attack tied to rare mutations in two genes

    Rare mutations in two genes greatly increase the risk of having a heart attack early in life, a study shows.

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  3. Genetics

    New type of stem cells, fuzzy and flexible

    A new way to make stem cells produces fuzzy cells that appear as flexible as other types of stem cells, but are easier to grow in the lab and avoid ethical issues.

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  4. Genetics

    Male smokers more likely to lose Y chromosomes

    Male smokers are more likely to lose Y chromosomes in their blood cells than men who have never smoked or those who have kicked the habit.

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  5. Science & Society

    ‘Race Unmasked’ explores science’s racial past, present

    Eugenics is far behind us, but a health historian sees few reasons to believe science is postracial.

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  6. Genetics

    Orchid genome may save highly endangered species

    The sequenced genome of the orchid Phalaenopsis equestris offers some hints about a different form of photosynthesis and how the flowers of the plant got their specialized shape.

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  7. Genetics

    Genes linked to feather development predate dinosaurs

    The genes for feather development may have existed more than 100 million years before dinosaurs sported hints of the fluffy plumage.

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  8. Genetics

    Rare mutations may protect against heart disease

    Rare mutations in a key gene seem to lower bad cholesterol and provide protection against heart disease.

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  9. Genetics

    Human thoughts control mouse genes

    Human brain waves trigger light that activates protein production in rodents.

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  10. Genetics

    Genes tell tale of cat domestication

    A peek into cats’ genetic makeup may help reveal how hissing wild felines became purring tabbies.

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  11. Genetics

    DNA from 37,000-year-old human hints at early European history

    DNA from a roughly 37,000-year-old Homo sapiens skeleton supports recent findings about when ancient humans and Neandertals interbred.

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  12. Health & Medicine

    Snakebite test correctly IDs attackers in Nepal

    A new test that swabs for traces of snake DNA around bite marks can identify the guilty serpent and may improve treatments.

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