Human Genetics

Not all genes confer a dominant trait and having certain mutated genetic variants does not guarantee the development of an inherited disorder.

Dec 13, 2009 - Kenneth Rosen

Hair color is a complex interplay of genetic factors, with more than one gene involved in determining exactly what shade will emerge: black, brown, blonde or red.

Dec 9, 2009 - Bridget Coila

At-home DNA test kits for genetic genealogy help people find out more about their ethnic origins, family heritage and surname relations.

Dec 3, 2009 - Bridget Coila

A debate which discusses arguments for and against pre-screening unborn children for genetic mutations using PGD and whether designer babies lie ahead.

Oct 14, 2009 - Joe Elvin

DNA is a person's unique genetic map. It contains all of the information needed to make one, unique human being, unless it is mitochondrial DNA.

Sep 27, 2009 - Diane Ursu

There is new red/green light at the end of the tunnel for those suffering the often relegated genetic vision disorder, colorblindness.

Sep 26, 2009 - Hari Navarro

A nick in the DNA strand is known as a chromosomal break. Cells have repair mechanisms for both single strand and double strand breaks.

Sep 19, 2009 - Alicia Mae Prater

Genetic disorders afflict millions and are caused either by inherited or acquired DNA mutations. This article outlines some ways human cells have for fighting DNA damage.

Sep 6, 2009 - Andre Tartar

Since the beginnings of modern genetics scientists have been trying to figure out how often mutations occur; now they think they have the answer.

Sep 2, 2009 - Rupert Taylor

Besides mediating between the DNA and proteins, RNA has a function in regulating the levels of proteins in the cell. This regulation is critical for the cell's behavior.

Aug 10, 2009 - Asaf Peer

The addiction pathway may play a role in fat deposition and having a larger waist circumference.

Jul 9, 2009 - Alicia Mae Prater

A new mutation in a gene that is active in the central nervous system and named neurexin 3 has been associated with increased risk for obesity.

Jul 3, 2009 - Cecile Le Page

A study presented at the 2009 ASCO meeting, shows the efficiency and low toxicity of a new inhibitor of the PARP protein, in patients resistant to standard chemotherapy.

Jul 1, 2009 - Cecile Le Page

The idea of Mitochondrial Eve has spurred both imagination and confusion. Here is a simple explanation of this female ancestor all humans alive today share.

Jun 24, 2009 - Bridget Coila

An unnaturally high birthrate of twins in a small Brazilian town has been linked to Nazi experiments by Auschwitz doctor Josef Mengele. Scientists refute the claims.

Jun 22, 2009 - Tony Dunnell

A new study helps understand why calorie-restricted diet protects against some types of cancer and not the others.

Jun 2, 2009 - Cecile Le Page

Services are available that can compare genetic makeup to markers that indicate risks for many genetic diseases using only a saliva test.

May 30, 2009 - Jeremy Small

A recent study published in May 2009, reports the efficiency of personalized chemotherapy based on the genetic profile of patients affected by non-small cell lung cancer.

May 14, 2009 - Cecile Le Page

A team of American and Portuguese researchers has compared and compiled several genetic studies to identify genes and mechanisms associated with aging.

May 7, 2009 - Cecile Le Page

A fairly common genetic variation makes many people at greater risk for heart disease and for dementia, but not for the same reason.

Apr 20, 2009 - James Cooper

Epigenetics is the latest buzzword in biotech. Here's a quick primer on how outside influences alter the genome and affect how DNA is expressed via methylation.

Mar 24, 2009 - Bridget Coila

Increasing maternal age is associated with better performance on intelligence tests of children, while increasing paternal age is associated with a poorer performance.

Mar 22, 2009 - Cecile Le Page

New technologies help researchers find common genetic mutations in different cancers.

Feb 7, 2009 - Cecile Le Page

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, which killed an estimated 2.1 million people in 2007, but some individuals have been found to be resistant to HIV/AIDS.

Feb 6, 2009 - Alicia Mae Prater

Epigenetics, chemical alterations to chromosomes, have been found to be inherited, affecting disease incidence in families and gene expression.

Jan 21, 2009 - Alicia Mae Prater