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DNA and Genes

Latest about Genetics

An illustration of the globe ribbons of bright color wrapped around it, representing the newly drafted human pangenome

1st draft of a human 'pangenome' published, adding millions of 'building blocks' to the human reference genome

By Stephanie Pappas published

A new version of the human reference genome incorporates genetic data from 47 individuals from around the globe, deepening scientists' view into how genes work.

Genetics
A woman looks into a microscope.

Rosalind Franklin knew DNA was a helix before Watson and Crick, unpublished material reveals

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

A new paper based on long-lost documents confirms that DNA discoverer Rosalind Franklin should be credited for discovering the double helix.

Genetics
A father measures his children's height against a wall.

Nearly 150 genes involved in cartilage development may control human height, study suggests

By Sascha Pare published

In a study of mouse and human genes, scientists pinpointed 145 genes that regulate the cartilage cells in kid's growth plates and could determine how tall they grow.

Genetics
Close up of Young Caucasian man looking at mirror worried about balding.

What is 'male pattern baldness'?

By Anna Gora published

Male pattern baldness begins at the top of the head and progresses over time.

Genetics
microscopic image of "syringe" proteins that look like thin, tubular nail-like shapes against a blue background

DeepMind's AI used to develop tiny 'syringe' for injecting gene therapy and tumor-killing drugs

By Nicoletta Lanese published

Researchers used the AI system AlphaFold to develop a tiny "syringe" that can inject proteins into cells.

Genetics
Concept of gene editing. Here we see a gloved hand with tweezers pinching out a part of a DNA double helix.

Gene therapy: What is it and how does it work?

By Dr. David Warmflash published

Gene therapies treat or prevent disease by tweaking the content or expression of cells' DNA.

Genetics
A portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven by Karl Joseph Stieler

Beethoven's DNA sheds light on the mystery of his death

By Ben Turner published

Five locks taken from Ludwig van Beethoven's head have revealed that he may likely have died from liver disease, not lead poisoning as was previously thought.

Genetics
illustration of dna – pink and blue DNA strands in a helix shape

What is DNA?

By Rachael Rettner last updated

DNA is a molecule that contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce.

Genetics
woman lying in bed in a dark room, holding a hand to her head as if in pain

Migraines and blood sugar issues share common genetic risk factors

By Laurel Hamers published

A large genomic analysis suggests migraines and blood sugar-related conditions have a shared genetic basis.

Genetics
The Gravettian populations were widespread around Europe about 32,000-24,000 years ago. Although these prehistoric human groups differed in terms of genetics, they did share similar cultural traits. On the left we see a depiction of the west Gravettian population that survived during the Last Glacial Maximum while sadly the eastern and south Gravettian populations disappeared.

Unknown lineage of ice age Europeans discovered in genetic study

By Charles Q. Choi published

The largest study yet to look at the genetics of ice age hunter-gatherers in Europe has uncovered a previously unknown lineage dubbed the Fournol.

Genetics
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