Genomics
This AI Software Nearly Predicted Omicron’s Tricky Structure
New algorithms that decipher complex sequences of amino acids offered an early view of the coronavirus variant. They could point the way to future drugs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Secret Workings of Smell Receptors, Revealed At Last
Researchers have finally seen how some of them bind to odor molecules—yielding new insights into one of the most mysterious and versatile senses.
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.
The US Has a Covid 'Scariants' Problem. Here's How to Fix It
Researchers are racing to understand new versions of the coronavirus. But without scientific standards, too many mutants are getting the monster treatment.
As Coronavirus Variants Spread, the US Struggles to Keep Up
The nation is a sequencing superpower. But without a federal strategy or enough funding, scientists can’t coordinate to track an evolving threat fast enough.
What Happens When You Swap a Human Gene With a Neanderthal’s?
Now that we’ve gotten a look at the genomes of archaic humans, researchers are trying to determine whether our differences are due to genetics.
30 Years Since the Human Genome Project Began, What’s Next?
Eric Green, head of the nation’s top genomics research institute, looks back on how far the field has come and shares his bold vision for the future.
The Genome of Your Pet Fish Is Extremely Weird
Unlike most domestic animals, the goldfish is purely decorative.
Covid Is Strengthening the Push for Indigenous Data Control
Due to data control concerns, tribal nations are not part of the "All of Us" DNA collection program. But that means missing out on its Covid-19 antibody testing.
Data Sharing and Open Source Software Help Combat Covid-19
Scientists are rapidly analyzing genetic samples from infected patients and sharing the data. But to move too fast is to risk making mistakes.
Clues to Our Unknown Ancestors Are Hiding in Our Genome
Humans interbred with Neanderthals and Denisovans, but were there others? Paleontologists are using deep learning to find lost branches of our family tree.
The Promise—and Heartbreak—of Cancer Genomics
We live in a liminal age of cancer and precision medicine: Despite all the advances science has made, we still know very little and often can do less.
The Next Best Version of Me: How to Live Forever
Researchers want to synthesize an optimized human genome that can be stored indefinitely and grown decades from now. So I volunteered mine.
This New Alzheimer’s Test Looks Beyond a Single Problem Gene
It calculates how more than two dozen genetic variants combine to increase or decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer's during your lifetime.
Encrypt Your DNA to Protect Genetic Privacy
Sharing your DNA with science could help cure disease. But once it's out there, you can't get it back. Encryption can at least keep it safe.
A Coffee Renaissance Is Brewing, and It's All Thanks to Genetics
Genes are the future of coffee. Not nitro cold brewing or beans pooped out by civets, but genes.
Illumina Would Like You to Sequence More DNA, Please
Illumina, the world's largest DNA sequencer company, is incubating some new companies in an effort to broaden the base of genome research.
Genetic Superheroes Walk Among Us, But Shhh! No One Can Tell 'Em
Scientists announced they have found 13 “resilient” people who have genetic mutations that should have doomed them to serious childhood disease.