genetics
A New Study Helps Untangle the Role of Tau in Dementia
Understanding the protein’s role in the cell shows what's happening in neurodegenerative diseases before symptoms emerge.
Scientists Capture Airborne Animal DNA for the First Time
Researchers filtered the air around two zoos and identified genetic material from dozens of species, a technique that could help track and conserve wildlife.
Scientists Settled an Old Family Mystery Using DNA From Postcards
Swiss forensic geneticists analyzed DNA recovered from postage stamps dating back to World War I and solved a century-old paternity puzzle.
This Startup Is Making—and Programming—Human Cells
Creating bespoke cells could transform testing and help develop new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
4 Dead Infants, a Convicted Mother, and a Genetic Mystery
Kathleen Folbigg was found guilty of killing her babies. One scientist suspected the real culprit was mutant DNA—and went on a tireless quest to prove it.
Is There a Genetic Link to Being an Extremely Good Boy?
Guide dogs need the right personality, health, and training. Scientists are studying the genetics behind the traits that make a dog suited to working.
Welcome to the (Synthetic) Meatspace
Reactor-grown nuggets, human-edited genetic code, and new mRNA technologies could change our relationship to life itself.
The UK Government Wants to Sequence Your Baby’s Genome
Genomics England plans to test a program that will offer whole genome sequencing to newborns—opening a Pandora’s box of ethical concerns.
Sponge Genes Hint at the Origins of Neurons and Other Cells
A new gene expression study reveals broad cellular diversity as well as possibly ancient connections between the nervous, immune, and digestive systems.
States Are Toughening Up Privacy Laws for At-Home DNA Tests
California’s SB 41 is the latest to tighten regulations on the sensitive data collected by companies like 23andMe or Ancestry.
The Complex Truth About ‘Junk DNA’
Genomes hold immense quantities of noncoding DNA. Some of it is essential for life, some seems useless, and some has its own agenda.
Y: The Last Man Isn’t About Politics—It’s About Survival
The comic-book adaptation is an insightful examination of gender politics. It’s also a glimpse at what values people hold onto amidst tragedy.
To Learn More Quickly, Brain Cells Break Their DNA
DNA double-strand breaks are associated with cancer and aging. A new study shows neurons can use them to quickly express genes related to learning and memory.
Richard Lewontin's Legacy of Fighting Racism in Science
The late evolutionary biologist made a reputation—and enemies—by speaking out against the idea that genes are destiny. Science still needs people like him.
Without Code for DeepMind’s Protein AI, One Lab Wrote Its Own
The Google subsidiary solved a fundamental problem in biology but didn’t promptly share its solution. So a University of Washington team tried to re-create it.
DNA Has Four Bases. Some Viruses Swap in a Fifth
Dozens of viruses don't use the same four nucleotide bases found in all other life. New work shows how this is possible—and perhaps more common than we think.
Mystery Solved: How Plant Cells Know When to Stop Growing
The discovery could have a profound effect on cell research for many species of plants and animals, as well as the future of crops.
Which Crops Can Survive Drought? Nanosensors May Offer Clues
The technique can be used to track how water flows through plants—which could be key to breeding more resilient crops in an increasingly hot, dry climate.
The Secret Role Histones Played in Complex Cell Evolution
New work shows that the proteins, long treated as boring spools for DNA, are key to the origin story for eukaryotes and still play important roles in disease.
35 Years Later, Studies Show a Silver Lining From Chernobyl
One new study found that radiation exposure didn't genetically harm future generations, while another offers insights into how radiation causes thyroid cancer.
Variant Hunters Race to Find New Strains Where Testing Lags
In countries without much sequencing, new versions of the Covid virus can go unnoticed. Scientists across Africa are collaborating to track them down.
This Sticker Absorbs Sweat—and Might Diagnose Cystic Fibrosis
The device may make it easier to quickly test newborns and could open the door to at-home monitoring.
Even Mild Brain Injuries Raise the Risk of Dementia Years Later
A new study shows that concussions and other head traumas can have long-lasting effects on our health.
The Code Breaker Is the Crispr Chronicle You Need to Read
Walter Isaacson’s account, out Tuesday, is a thrilling tale of scientific discovery. He talks about gene-editing tech—and the future of the human race.