Modern Humans and Neanderthals Had Kids for 7,000 Years and the Legacy Lives in Our Genes
Most of us have Neanderthal ancestors, and now scientists how revealed important details about how their DNA shape us today.
Tag: genetics
Scientists Uncover Genetic Mutation Causing Blindness in Dogs — And Find Way To Eradicate It
A DNA test could eliminate progressive retinal atrophy in dogs altogether.
These small animals steal genes from bacteria to protect themselves against infection
They build their own antibiotics taking parts from bacteria.
Siblings of Autistic Children Have a 1 in 5 Chance of Being Autistic Themselves
New study finds 20% chance of autism in siblings of autistic children, confirming earlier research.
Neanderthal interbreeding might have made humans more prone to autism
Neanderthal genes from ancient interbreeding may increase our susceptibility to autism.
Scientists unveil the genetic secrets of Maya children sacrificed for the gods
The study revealed genetic ties between ancient Maya child sacrifices at Chichén Itzá and modern descendants, offering new insight into ...
Labrador retrievers have a gene that makes them hungry all the time (and fat)
Research identifies a genetic mutation causing increased hunger and obesity risk in Labradors and flat-coated retrievers.
Is cannabis addiction genetic? Scientists identify genes associated with cannabis use disorder
Scientists identify potential genetic factors that could play into CanUD
This sea worm’s butt swims away to reproduce, and we finally know how
It’s been a head scratcher for years -- but the answer was in the rear end.
Researchers discover second patient who is genetically resistant to Alzheimer’s
This could dramatically change our understanding of the disease.
‘Sea nomads’ evolved abnormally large spleens to dive to unheard-of depths
Natives of Indonesia can dive up to 70 meters thanks to a genetic adaptation.
Ancient peoples in South America had both Denisovan and Neanderthal DNA — and we have no clue how it got there
Ancient peoples seem to have mingled much more than thought possible.
Designer babies may be coming soon. Here’s why this matters
There's more than one way to "design" babies. Should we be worried?
Your microbiota will be having non-stop sex this Valentine’s Day
Bacteria don’t have sex to reproduce; they use it to stay alive and healthy.
Pap tests could one day tell women if they have breast or ovarian cancer
Two studies found genetic-based changes in the cervix that can detect other cancers.
Study on mice: Exercising later in life can keep your muscles young
Exercising was shown to give elderly mice the muscles of those much younger.
Scientists identify the specific gene that protects against severe COVID-19
The protective gene was passed onto us by an ancient human species.
New COVID variant identified in France — but experts say we shouldn’t fear it
The new variant has 46 mutations making it more vaccine-resistant and infectious.
New gene-editing technology creates single-sex mice
This could be a major boon for animal welfare.
We’re getting a better idea of how moles turn into melanoma, and environment is key
The genetic changes that drive the emergence of skin cancer seem to be caused by environmental factors.
We’ve identified the genetic roots of OCD, pointing the way towards new treatments
Around half of patients are resistant to our current treatment options.
We’ve identified a gene variant that seems to make people immune to the effects of COVID — but not to catching the virus
We're learning more and more about how the virus spreads, and how our own bodies help that process.
Different cities have their own microbial fingerprint, a global study reports
"If you gave me your shoe, I could tell you with about 90% accuracy the city you came from," the ...
Genetically modified grass saves soils destroyed by military target practice
GMOs to the rescue!
PTSD seems to be tied to gene expression changes in the brain
Still a ways to go, but it’s an important step.
Scientists sequence genome of Fleming’s original penicillin-producing fungus
The comparison could help us bring penicillin up to scratch.
Millions of genetically-modified mosquitoes will be deployed to save Floridians from bites
Send some my way too, please!
New study furthers our understanding of how genetics influence heavy drinking
Understanding how genetics influences problem drinking can help us help those at risk.
Researchers reprogram cells to build artificial structures
So far, the method is just a “tool for exploration”.
Famous Harvard scientist creates dating app that matches for genetic compatibility
Swipe right on eugenics.
Researchers sequence DNA of coral and their associated organisms
They may be small, but they're far from inconsequential.
Scientists extract the oldest DNA data from 1.7-million-year-old rhino tooth
The findings could ultimately help scientists
There’s no single “gay gene” that determines sexual behavior, research shows
This misconception about homosexuality needs to go away.
Fish harvesting causes rapid evolution, according to genetic data
Overfishing is causing fish stocks to evolve rapidly.
Pufferfish spines and the hair on your head are governed by the same set of genes
"It just blows me away that regardless of how evolutionarily-different skin structures in animals are, they still use the same ...
We thought depression arises from just 18 genes — we were wrong, new study finds
"We are not saying that depression is not heritable at all. It is. What we are saying is that depression ...
Scientists reactivate 28,000 year-old mammoth cells
Researchers say that the study marks a "significant step toward bringing mammoths back from the dead."
Grasses steal neighbors’ genes to one-up other species
"They're OUR genes, tovarish plant" -- grasses.
A new study explains how snakes lost their legs
They didn't lose the genes for limbs -- they're just blocked.
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.
You won’t believe these three unexpected discoveries – and neither did the scientists who made them
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.
