Genetics is the study of genes, which are the basic units of inheritance that contain the blueprint for life, from determining the way that organisms look to every physiological process that occurs within them. Advances in genetics have come a long way since the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953. Scientists can now sequence the entire genetic code of thousands of people on a large scale to pinpoint genes that are associated with specific diseases and flag them as targets for drug development. Likewise, enzymes from bacteria can be used to modify genes for a plethora of purposes, including healthcare and farming.
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Latest about Genetics
Scientists reveal how viruses hidden in our DNA control our genes
A new study has revealed that "junk DNA" descended from ancient viruses could play a key role in controlling genes.
Best-ever map of the human genome reveals 'hidden' regions of DNA
In a pair of papers, scientists greatly expanded our catalog of known genomic variation among humans.
8 babies spared from potentially deadly inherited diseases through new IVF 'mitochondrial donation' trial
A groundbreaking trial in the U.K. has released data on eight babies born through a special IVF procedure to lower their risk of mitochondrial DNA disease.
Why are so many men color-blind?
About 1 in 12 men is color-blind. Why doesn't this condition affect women as often?
How is DNA used to identify victims of mass disasters?
DNA analysis is considered the gold standard for identifying victims of mass fatalities. But how does it work?
In a first, congenital deafness in teens and adults treated with new gene therapy
This is the first time such results have been achieved in both children and adult patients born with a specific type of congenital deafness.
Why are men taller than women, on average?
We don't know exactly why men are taller than women on average, but we have some genetic clues.
The rare genetic disease that gives babies hard 'scales'
The genetic disease harlequin ichthyosis affects the transport of fats within the skin, resulting in hard, scalelike plaques and an array of other symptoms.
