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
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.
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?
