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The 'forager gene' of humans and fruit flies works in practically the same way

No time like mealtime.

New software allows researchers to CATCH any known virus in a sample

"Tools like CATCH will help us and others detect outbreaks earlier and generate more data on pathogens that can be shared with the wider scientific and medical research communities," the authors say.

DNA testing is becoming more popular -- but how does it really work?

DNA testing kits have developed tremendously in recent times, moving out of the lab and onto the real world. After all, who wouldn’t want to trace their genetic heritage? Most of the time, it only takes a few weeks (and a reasonable sum) to find out where your lineage came from. But how does it […]

DNA pioneer James Watson stripped of honorary titles after racist remarks

It's not the first time Watson has made racist statements.

Scientists turn blood cells into neural stem cells, opening door for new regenerative therapies

It could be a game changer for patients suffering from paralysis and other nervous system problems.

Research identifies a gene that makes our brains (and those of primates) unique

Smarts, we got'em!

Google's AI algorithm could usher in new age of protein understanding

We're entering a new age of scientific breakthrough, and this could be absolutely huge.

China pulls the plug on rogue scientist who genetically modified twin human babies

The whole odd affair is unprecedented.

Mitochondrial DNA can sometimes come from fathers, too

A discovery that's set to rewrite textbooks on biology.

More evidence shows that Neanderthals and early humans interbred -- multiple times

A significant portion of most people's DNA is Neanderthal.

Chinese scientists created the world's first gene-edited babies

Against international best practices, researchers in China claim to have facilitated the birth of twin girls whose DNA had been altered with gene editing tools.

Coffee or tea? The answer might lie in your genes

So, which one is your favorite?

New project aims to map the DNA of every animal, plant and fungus

One of the most ambitious projects ever attempted in science.

Researchers document first evidence of epigenetic inheritance via sperm

We're not sure yet if a father's experience can affect the health of offspring.

How Siberian Huskies got their ghostly blue eyes

These canine white walkers got their famous blue eyes thanks to a genetic duplication.

MDMA or 'ecstasy' makes octopuses more social, too

This could help scientists uncover the origin of social behavior in all animals.

One broken gene made us very good runners

A genetic fluke two to three million years ago turned humans into the best endurance runners around.

Extinct cave bear DNA pops up in modern brown bears

Looks like some DNA is able to bear the test of time.

Losing sleep can lead to more extra pounds

If you have sleep issues or weight issues, you should read this.

Wheat's genetic secrets could lead to better, more resilient crops

More food for less effort? Sign me up!

Bermuda fireworms glow in a one-of-a-kind way

Glow your own way.

Foxy genes: Scientists map red fox genes associated with wild or tame behavior

Foxy genes.

Naked mole-rat kings and queens challenge what we know about aging

Having babies actually makes them live longer.

A lung-healing protein could be the reason why men recover from flu faster than women

Sorry, ladies.

Scientists find more than 1,200 genes linked to educational attainment

But that doesn't mean the environment isn't more important.

Roman fish salting workshops reveal two whale species lost from the Mediterranean

The discovery stands to change our understanding of the Roman fishing industry and the history of two endangered whale species.

What are the steps of DNA replication?

DNA replication is the basis for biological inheritance.

Scientists find 22,000 year-old giant panda belonging to a distinct long-lost lineage

The lazy panda has a richer story than you'd think.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of DNA Testing

What you need to know before testing your DNA.

Icelanders went through drastic genetic changes since the island was colonized

A lot has changed in the past 10 centuries -- including genetics.

Wearing glasses might really mean you're smarter, new study finds

Glasses can drastically change a person's appearance.

Genes of living descendents might solve mystery of the Inca Empire's origin

Myths surrounding the founding of the Inca might not only be true -- they also seem to be linked.

Weight gain is mostly controlled by what you eat -- not genetics

This is good news, because it means we can change things.

This fungus senses gravity using a gene it borrowed from bacteria

Don't mind me, just borrowing some genes to make gravity-sensing crystals. Sorry, what?

Scientists confirm weird 'knot-shaped' DNA structure in human cells for the first time

Forget the double-helix for a second -- there are other, more interesting DNA structures out there.

Humans and chimp brains may have a turbo-charged fight-or-flight response

Such adaptations could form the evolutionary roots of human warfare.

Scientists pinpoint genes that give us our hair color

Women have lighter hair then men, on average -- and researchers can now know what your hair color is after a simple DNA sample.

Wild yeast likely evolved in China, reveals genetic sequencing of over 1,000 strains

Their results point to East Asia (China) as the yeast's area of origin.

The Yangtze river porpoise, unique for living in freshwater, has special genetic adaptations

The purpoise of the study was to learn more about the genetics of this unique cetacean.

Almost 40% of at-home DNA tests are inaccurate, scientists warn

At-home DNA tests are used to offer information about one's ancestors, risks of certain diseases, and other traits, such as eye color.

Sudden infant death syndrome linked to a rare genetic mutation

Researchers believe a rare mutation associated with breathing muscles is the cause of SIDS.

Surreal, six-inch mummy with an elongated skull finally described by scientists

Spoiler alert: not an alien.

New method developed to stop bacteria from sharing antibiotic resistance genes

No multiplayer-evolution any longer, pleasethankyou!

Researchers develop nanospears that can transport DNA to cells with pinpoint accuracy

This new technique is less harmful to the cells and more efficient than other non-viral DNA transfer techniques.

A year in space -- it really changes your genes

There's no need to panic, but these aren't exactly happy news.

Slowing Down Cancer by Activating the Circadian Clock

New research suggests we can target body clock genes to prevent tumors.

Two raven lineages that tied the knot yield evidence of 'speciation reversal'

Birds of a feather... merge together.

Childbirth can make women's cells age faster than smoking or obesity

Scientists discovered that having children significantly shortened telomeres (genetic markers of aging).

One tiny mutation could triple the world's production of grain

Not bad for one gene.

Man-made: we've domesticated our own species

Does this make us pets?