Apr 11 These 13 adults escaped deadly genetic childhood disorders, but how? By Nsikan Akpan Scientists have identified 13 so-called “superheroes” -- adults with disease-causing mutations who are mysteriously healthy -- from a genetic survey of half a million people. Continue reading
Mar 24 How many synthetic genes does it take to sustain life? By Nsikan Akpan By nailing down the genetic ingredients for life, synthetic biologists at the J. Craig Venter Institute may have redefined the rules for what's essential for survival. Continue reading
Mar 21 Is this mutation causing your teenager’s anxiety? By Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, STAT After examining the brains of more than 1,000 subjects, scientists spot a single mutation that may predispose some teenagers for extra anxiety. Continue reading
Mar 03 What’s behind a unibrow? By Leah Samuel, STAT Sometimes it seems like hair does everything except what you want it to do. A new study of the genes behind balding, hair curliness and other hair conditions could help explain why hair sometimes sprouts between our eyebrows, turns gray,… Continue reading
Feb 03 Watch 9:27 Three-parent DNA treatment for rare defect raises debate By PBS NewsHour Continue watching
Feb 03 Report: It’s ethical to create embryos from DNA of 3 people By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- It's ethical to test a provocative new fertility technique that would prevent mothers from passing on rare but devastating diseases by creating embryos from the DNA of three people -- dad, mom and an egg donor -- advisers… Continue reading
Dec 03 Gene editing designer babies would be ‘irresponsible,’ says international scientific committee By Nsikan Akpan, Alexandra Sarabia The committee at the International Summit on Human Gene Editing called for a pause on tweaking DNA for reproductive medicine, but stopped short of recommending a moratorium on research. Continue reading
Oct 22 ‘Sesame Street’ debuts Julia, its first character with autism By Joshua Barajas Joining Abby Cadabby and Elmo on “Sesame Street” is Julia, a green-eyed, orange-haired character with autism. Continue reading
Oct 21 Watch 8:17 This search engine could help unlock autism’s secrets By PBS News Hour Scientists have long known that genetics play a role in autism, but now they may be able to actually pinpoint the specific gene variants, which could help doctors diagnose and treat the neurodevelopmental disorder from birth. Special correspondent Jackie Judd… Continue watching
Aug 05 Debunking the biggest genetic myth of the human tongue By Catherine Woods You didn’t inherit your tongue rolling ability from your parents. Continue reading