Genetics

  1. Science & Society

    Year in Review: High court rules against gene patents

    The justices’ decision opens the way for choices in DNA testing.

    By
  2. Plants

    Lone survivor of ancient flowers is gluttonous gene consumer

    The rare Amborella shrub has engulfed whole genomes from other species.

    By
  3. Microbes

    MRSA strain swiped skin bacteria genes to survive

    A common strain of the dangerous microbe may be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

    By
  4. Genetics

    You are what your dad ate, perhaps

    Your development is affected by what your mother ate while she was pregnant with you. Is it also affected by what your father ate? A new study suggests that folate deficiency in dads can affect their offspring through epigenetic changes.

    By
  5. Genetics

    Evolution of venom, binge eating seen in snake DNA

    Python and cobra genes evolved quickly to enable hunting strategies.

    By
  6. Neuroscience

    Fear can be inherited

    Parents’ and even grandparents’ experiences echo in offspring, a study of mice finds.

    By
  7. Genetics

    DNA changes may show how whales adapted to water

    Comparing the genetic material of whales has revealed DNA changes that may have helped the animals adapt to aquatic environments.

    By
  8. Neuroscience

    Gene that boosts Alzheimer’s risk might protect against it too

    Carrying certain genetic versions of apolipoprotein E is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. A new study looks at the effects of different types of APOE on the major markers of Alzheimer’s in mice and shows that all forms are not equal.

    By
  9. Genetics

    Ancient Siberian bones clarify Native American origins

    Some New World ancestors came from western Eurasia, not East Asia.

    By
  10. Genetics

    Sexy male mice have competitive moms

    Moms allowed to compete for mates produce sons that make sexy pheromones, live hard and die young. How? Epigenetics.

    By
  11. Humans

    Humans’ music and genes may have evolved together

    Music may be a tool scientists can use to trace human migrations.

    By
  12. Genetics

    Dogs’ origins lie in Europe

    First domesticated canines did not live in China or Middle East, a study of mitochondrial DNA finds.

    By