Jan 27 How mRNA and DNA vaccines could soon treat diseases like cancer, HIV, autoimmune disorders By Deborah Fuller, The Conversation DNA and mRNA vaccines produce a different kind of immune response than traditional vaccines, allowing researchers to tackle some previously unsolvable problems in medicine. Continue reading
Dec 03 Meet Rosalind Franklin, a sidelined figure in the history of DNA science By Molly Finnegan In "The Secret of Life: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick, and the Discovery of DNA's Double Helix," Dr. Howard Markel tells the complicated tale of what he calls one of the most egregious rip-offs in the history of science. Continue reading
Sep 30 Watch 7:33 Why discovery of DNA’s double helix was based on ‘rip-off’ of female scientist’s data By William Brangham, Jason Kane, Claire Mufson It is the famous lightbulb-going-off story every school kid learns: How James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA, cementing their place in scientific history. But as William Brangham explains, a new book titled "The Secret of Life"… Continue watching
Feb 17 COVID-19 bill would scale up ability to spot virus mutations By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press Scientists would gain vastly expanded capabilities to identify potentially deadlier mutations of the coronavirus under legislation advancing in Congress. Continue reading
Jan 08 Watch 9:25 How a growing trove of genetic data is informing medical breakthroughs By Miles O'Brien Individualized medicine, in which treatments are customized based on a patient’s unique DNA, is a rising field. Along with an ever-expanding genetic database, it offers tantalizing promise for solving some of medicine's most daunting challenges. But individualized medicine also carries… Continue watching
Nov 07 Watch 6:47 A father took an at-home DNA test. His son was then falsely accused of murder By William Brangham, Nsikan Akpan, Rhana Natour Genetic genealogy, the technique millions of people are using to learn about their family history, has now become a potent tool with which law enforcement can solve crimes. But the method has major privacy implications that are prompting some critics… Continue watching
Nov 07 Genetic genealogy can help solve cold cases. It can also accuse the wrong person. By Nsikan Akpan For law enforcement, the case for using genetic genealogy is strong. But it's not foolproof. Continue reading
Nov 06 Watch 6:42 How at-home DNA tests helped solve this 30-year-old murder By William Brangham, Rhana Natour, Nsikan Akpan In 2019, American law enforcement agencies have identified over 70 suspects using a new technique called genetic genealogy, which California detectives leveraged in 2018 to identify the Golden State Killer. In the first of a two-part series, William Brangham shares… Continue watching
Jun 09 ‘Jumping genes’ could help CRISPR replace disease-causing DNA, study finds By Sharon Begley, STAT Researchers describe combining a "jumping gene" with CRISPR enzymes to deliver a a package of DNA to precise addresses in the E. coli genome. Continue reading
May 01 U.S. to give immigrants DNA tests at the border to check for fraud By Associated Press Immigration officials will begin voluntary DNA testing in cases where officials suspect adults are fraudulently claiming to be the parents of children as they cross the U.S.-Mexico border together. Continue reading