Researchers have mapped the genes that control pain perception in fruit flies, mice, and potentially humans. The map consists of gene pathways that help flies and mice sense pain and set pain thresholds…
New research shows how genetics, not just environmental factors, play a role linking birth weight to adult health problems like diabetes. It is no secret that underweight babies are more likely to suffer…
The human brain can write plays and build robots, but where did this intelligence come from?
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Intelligence is our most complex characteristic. Some would even say it defines us, setting us apart from other primates. And now, a new study – published this week by Hennady P. Shulha and colleagues…
A genetic variant on chromosome X near the claudin-2 gene (CLDN2) predicts which men who are heavy drinkers are at a higher…
We share many behaviours and characteristics with our primate cousins and now we know our blood types are more closely linked as well.
AAP Image/Taronga Zoo
A study published in PNAS this week has confirmed that human blood types were present in one of our ancient primate ancestors. The ABO blood groups Beloved by genetics teachers the world over, the ABO…
Despite being bombarded with messages promoting being thin, not all women respond in the same way.
AAP
Eating disorders that stem from a desire to be thin can be blamed in part on genetics, according to a new US study. The study, published this week in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, found…
DNA previously written off as junk actually acts as a lever controlling genetic activity, leading to health or illness, reveals a massive new genetic mapping project. It’s been ten years since the human…
More than 99.5% of the genome is identical between two humans, but that still leaves 15m positions to search through.
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Imagine a future where doctors take a strand of your hair or a drop of your blood and tell you your DNA predicts a 78% risk of developing heart disease. On the plus side, it also predicts exactly which…
For many decades humans have pursued work to characterise the human genome. Today, publicly available references to genome sequences are available and have been instrumental in effecting recent advances…
For more than 50 years, sport scientists have used a variety of physical tests to try and identify those exceptional athletes who walk among us. Despite most countries having some sort of athlete talent…
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