Pollen is all around us, is extremely durable and can provide clues about where someone’s been. A new genetic technique will make it easier to use pollen evidence in criminal investigations.
Spine-tingling or simply scary?
Kontizas Dimitrios/wikimedia
Almost 10% of differences in exam results at age 16 can be explained using individuals’ DNA alone.
Monitoring white sharks more closely could help to ensure better conservation measures are put in place.
Dr Sara Andreotti (c) www.sharkdivingunlimited.com
South Africa’s white shark population faced a rapid decline in the last generation. More concerning is that their numbers might already be too low to ensure their survival.
Genomic research must take place in Africa because African populations have evolved significantly and their genetic composition is more diverse than that of populations elsewhere.
DNA Nation raises questions of genetics, identity and race.
DNA Nation/SBS
Emma Kowal, Deakin University et Misty Jenkins, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
The SBS documentary DNA Nation tracks three people on their ‘individual genetic journey’. But for Indigenous Australians in particular, genetic testing is a can of worms - politically, ethically and technically.
People get suspicious when ethically fraught science is discussed behind closed doors.
DNA image via www.shutterstock.com.
A recent closed meeting about building synthetic genomes raised suspicions about just what scientists were planning, away from the public eye.
The “Roman” nose, such as the Colossus of Constantine (from c. 312–315 AD), has been a target of both admiration and abuse.
Jean-Christophe BENOIST/wikimedia
Visiting Professor in Biomedical Ethics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Distinguished Visiting Professor in Law, University of Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford