DNA and Genes
Latest about Genetics
New genetic cause of intellectual disability potentially uncovered in 'junk DNA'
By Emily Cooke published
Mutations in "junk DNA" could be responsible for rare genetic cases of intellectual disability, new research hints.
The same genetic mutations behind gorillas' small penises may hinder fertility in men
By Nicola Williams published
Scientists have used the gorilla genome to probe for previously unknown genes that may contribute to infertility in men.
10 unexpected ways Neanderthal DNA affects our health
By Emily Cooke published
Around 2% of the genomes of modern Eurasians contains Neanderthal DNA. Here's how it affects our health.
The mystery of the disappearing Neanderthal Y chromosome
By Emily Cooke published
Non-Africans carry around 2% Neanderthal DNA in their genomes — yet there's one chromosome where DNA from our ancient cousins is nowhere to be found.
'More Neanderthal than human': How your health may depend on DNA from our long-lost ancestors
By Emily Cooke published
Neanderthals and humans mated millennia ago, and their legacy lives on in us today. Here's how.
Deaf baby can hear after 'mind-blowing' gene therapy treatment
By Emily Cooke published
Seven months after her treatment, the baby girl can now respond to her parents' voices without the aid of a cochlear implant.
CRISPR can treat common form of inherited blindness, early data hint
By Sneha Khedkar published
In a small trial, some people with inherited vision loss experienced improvements in their sight after being treated with CRISPR.
Papua New Guineans, genetically isolated for 50,000 years, carry Denisovan genes that help their immune system, study suggests
By Emily Cooke published
Genes inherited from Denisovans, extinct human relatives, may help Papua New Guineans in the lowlands fight off infection, while mutations to red blood cells may help highlanders live at altitude.
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