Researchers at one of the UK’s leading genetics centres tell us about their serendipitous findings.
Scientists analyzed the composition of dinosaur DNA — and it’s really similar to birds’
Life, uhm, finds a way.
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.
Scientists found nearly 1,000 new genes linked to intelligence
Intelligent people tend to live longer but are more vulnerable to autism and depression.
Icelanders went through drastic genetic changes since the island was colonized
A lot has changed in the past 10 centuries — including genetics.
Humans and chimp brains may have a turbo-charged fight-or-flight response
Such adaptations could form the evolutionary roots of human warfare.
‘Sea nomads’ adapted abnormally large spleens to dive to unheard of depths
Natives of Indonesia can dive up to 70 meters thanks to a genetic adaptation.
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.
Empathy might also be part genetic, a new study concludes
Don’t blame it on genetics though.
Debunking some misconceptions about evolution
Sometimes, it’s good to remember that even evolution doesn’t want you to be perfect. Good enough is just fine.
Family from Italy can’t feel physical pain because of genetic mutation
This discovery might lead to a new type of painkillers.
DNA just got a major update, with readable synthetic nucleotides
Half-synthetic life isn’t sci-fi any longer.
DARPA awards $65 million to make CRISPR safer, more efficient
Money well spent!
They’re everywhere on facebook, and now scientists have stored a GIF inside a living bacteria with the help of CRISPR
It’s the first time CRISPR was used to store and retrieve media from DNA.
Abnormal chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA might explain why suicide seems to favor some people
People kill themselves for all sorts of reason, but there’s a genetic makeup to it too.
Scientists map out the bits of DNA damaged by smoking
The method can be used for any type of damage where the cell has to replace bits of DNA.
We’re entering a new age of genetic editing, as flurry of CRISPR trials already gear up
This could usher in a wondrous era for genetic science, but risks also loom nearby.
Researchers find 6,500 genes expressed differently in men and women
The genes, it’s all in the genes.
Sleeping around makes it hard to speciate by mixing genes, paper shows
I don’t even want to speciate.
Genetic ‘typos’ may be a more powerful driver of cancer in humans than environmental factors
Worrying.