DNA and Genes
Latest about Genetics
Scientists just discovered a new way cells control their genes — it's called 'backtracking'
By Sahana Sitaraman published
Scientists have discovered that, when a DNA-reading enzyme moves backwards along a gene, it may do so to help control when the gene is turned on.
Why don't people have tails?
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
Scientists recently found that a so-called jumping gene may have jumped ship millions of years ago, and taken our tails with it.
We finally know why humans don't have tails
By Jennifer Zieba published
Researchers discover a potential genetic connection between humans' tail loss and a type of birth defect.
4 genes' activity could be key to faster appendicitis diagnosis
By Emily Cooke published
An analysis of children's gene activity suggests that more severe forms of appendicitis can be distinguished from milder cases based on the activity of four genes.
More than 275 million never-before-seen gene variants uncovered in US population
By Emily Cooke published
The newly uncovered gene variants were identified as part of an analysis of the DNA of more than 400,000 people in the U.S. who agreed to participate in the All of Us Research Program.
CRISPR 'will provide cures for genetic diseases that were incurable before,' says renowned biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Live Science spoke with biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys, whose work helped establish CRISPR as a gene-editing system.
Gene mutation helps Andean highlanders thrive at altitude, and 'living fossil' fish live deep underwater
By Jennifer Zieba published
Researchers discovered an example of convergent evolution in the Peruvian and Tibetan highlander communities.
Gene therapies restore hearing in several kids with inherited deafness
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Two new gene therapies show promise in treating otoferlin-related deafness, an inherited condition.
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