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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Genetics: How do we inherit traits from our ancestors?
Discover interesting facts about how traits are passed down over generations through DNA.
A tragic gene therapy death that stalled the field for a decade — Sept. 17, 1999
On this day in science history Sept. 17, 1999: Jesse Gelsinger died after receiving a gene therapy treatment to treat a liver disease. The death sparked an investigation and caution around gene therapy, which ultimately stalled the field for years.
Gene that human ancestors lost millions of years ago could help treat gout
Researchers used evolutionary genetics and CRISPR gene editing tech to develop an innovative treatment for gout. The approach has yet to be tested in humans.
Scraps of ancient viruses make up 40% of our genome. They could trigger brain degeneration.
Our genomes are peppered with DNA segments called retrotransposons that can move from place to place. When unleashed, some can kill nerves and promote inflammation — a discovery that may inspire treatments for neurodegeneration.
Scientists uncover 'coils' in DNA that form under pressure
A new study shows that DNA forms coils under stress, not the tangled knots that scientists expected.
Special protection may help human eggs stay fresh as the body ages
A new study suggests that the mitochondria in human egg cells don't accumulate DNA mutations with age, which sets them apart from other tissues in the body.
8 'hotspots' in the genome linked to ME/CFS in largest study of its kind
A large study of ME/CFS included more than 15,000 people and identified eight locations in the genome linked to the disease.
Humans may have untapped 'superpowers' from genes related to hibernation, scientists claim
Scientists pinpointed key "regulators" that help control the metabolisms of hibernators, and say the same genes might hold untapped benefits for humans.
