Genetics

  1. Animals

    Monarch butterflies’ ancestors migrated

    The earliest monarch butterflies originated in North America and were migratory. Some of the insects later lost that ability as they moved into the tropics, a genetic analysis finds.

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  2. Genetics

    Genetic data rewrite the prehistory of Europe

    The genomes of nine ancient and 2,345 living humans have changed the story of modern Europeans' origins.

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  3. Life

    Vagina bacteria make molecules that could be drugs

    Microbes on the human body are capable of producing thousands of small molecules that hold potential as drugs.

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  4. Genetics

    Molecular biologist honors ancient bones

    After deciphering an ancient skeleton’s genetic secrets, molecular biologist Sarah Anzick helped reinter the remains.

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  5. Earth

    Feedback

    Readers discuss Tibetan genetics, how Saharan dust built the Bahamas and why people don't like being left alone with their thoughts.

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  6. Genetics

    A story about why people get fat may be just that

    In this issue, reporters look at efforts to find the genes that could be responsible for the obesity crisis and how evolution acts on diseases such as Ebola and tuberculosis.

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  7. Genetics

    Ancient famine-fighting genes can’t explain obesity

    Scientists question the long-standing notion that adaptation — specifically the evolution of genes that encourage humans to hold on to fat so they can survive times of famine — has driven the obesity crisis.

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  8. Genetics

    Source of coffee’s kick found in its genetic code

    Coffee doubled up on caffeine-making genes. Those genes evolved independently from similar ones found in tea and chocolate plants.

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  9. Materials Science

    Silkworms spin spider-strong threads

    Silkworms with a spider protein make silk tough enough to be woven into clothing.

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  10. Health & Medicine

    Tiny mites are probably crawling all over your face

    Two skin mites, relatives of spiders, might populate the faces of all adult humans, according to a DNA survey.

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  11. Genetics

    Ebola genome clarifies origins of West African outbreak

    Genetic analyses suggest that a single infected person sparked the ongoing Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

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  12. Animals

    Antarctic midge sports tiniest insect genome

    Antarctic midge‘s genetic minimalism achieved by skipping a lot of repetitive stretches.

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