Ancient DNA allows scientists to learn directly from the remains of people from the past. As this new field takes off, researchers are figuring out how to ethically work with ancient samples and each other.
Of more than 500 species of sharks in the world’s oceans, scientists have only sequenced a handful of genomes – most recently, white sharks.
Terry Goss/Wikimedia
Why do scientists spend so much time and money mapping the DNA of species like white sharks? Single studies may offer insights, but the real payoff comes in comparing many species to each other.
Kim Cooper, University of California, San Diego dan Hannah Grunwald, University of California, San Diego
When geneticists create mice with special traits, there is no way to be sure that they will be inherited by the offspring. But a new genetic tool called a gene drive may fix the problem.
Evidence shows that the growth of air pollutants – as well as rising temperatures, increased rain and flooding – connect breast cancer with climate change.
(Shnutterstock)
Discovering a genetic basis for erectile dysfunction that is linked to Type-2 diabetes will make it easier to identify those at risk – and novel treatments.
An Australian steer named Knickers broke the internet this week. The heavyweight Holstein-Friesian weighs as much as a small car, but genetically speaking he’s within the normal range (just).
How did you start today – tea or coffee? Or neither? A study of more than 400,000 men and women links specific genes for tasting bitter flavours like caffeine with hot beverage consumption.
Every human carries an instruction booklet with a very special code, called DNA. Our eyes cannot read the code, but our bodies can. The code tells our body what to do and how to look.
Eighty years ago, Seabiscuit trounced Triple Crown winner War Admiral.
AP Photo
The US went crazy for Seabiscuit when he won his famous 1938 match race against War Admiral. Now researchers are investigating the thoroughbred’s DNA to see what made him such an unlikely success.
Trevor Kilpatrick, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Young women are disproportionately affected by multiple sclerosis, a disease where the body attacks the brain, scrambling communication to the rest of the body. Here’s what we know about the causes.
Some American Indian tribes, including the Navajo Nation, have moratoriums on genetic testing.
Phil Noble/Reuters
Why is Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test so controversial with Native American groups? Two Indigenous geneticists explain the history and science behind the debate.
You can blame your parents for poor exam results…to an extent.
4 PM production/Shutterstock
Genetics play a large role in how well someone does at university.
Some Harlequin ladybugs, Harmonia axyridis, have black elytra with two large red spots. Others have two additional red spots backwards, or are decorated with a dozen small red spots. Conversely, there are ladybugs with red elytra, decorated with 20 black spots. All these ladybugs belong to the same species.
B. Prud’homme, J. Yamaguchi
Ian Majewski, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) dan Edward Chew, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
As we age, our DNA accumulates damage, which can increase our risk of developing
cancer. But our cells work hard to guard against cancer – new research explains how.
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