From its humble origin(s), life has infected the entire planet with endless beautiful forms. The genesis of life is the oldest biological event, so old that no clear evidence was…
Category: Genetics
Viewpoint: US museums, universities and federal agencies still possess the remains of over 100,000 Indigenous Americans. It’s time to give them back
The numbers are astounding. ProPublica reported this year that museums, universities and federal agencies still possess the remains of 110,000 Native Americans, Native Hawaiians and Alaska Natives. If we include…
Viewpoint: Many web-surfing gardeners are concerned about the scary claims they read online about the herbicide glyphosate. An independent university weed scientist addresses the controversy
In my role as the Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, I am often asked about the herbicide glyphosate. Is it harmful to humans and the environment…
Do opposites really attract? Partners in most successful relationships share political views, education levels, drinking habits and more
A study on romantic relationships found that for more than 80% of traits analysed – from political views to drug taking and the age at which people first had sex…
‘The single most notorious killer of humans’: What are the true origins of the 14th century Black Plague?
It’s rare that compelling clues converge to illuminate a longstanding medical mystery: the origin of the Black Death, a bubonic plague that killed an estimated 25 million people in Europe…
Viewpoint: Outdated organic technology? By rejecting gene editing, growers left with more disease-prone, pest-infested crops
East Yorks mixed farmer Paul Temple suggests that in closing its mind to new genetic technologies, the organic sector may miss out on a major opportunity to transform the productivity,…
Gene Mutation Sheds Light on Schizophrenia Mysteries
Summary: Scientists developed a mouse model that carries a genetic mutation linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia. By studying the Grin2a gene, they found significant changes in gene expression,…
Social justice environmental activists move to block gene editing to control invasive species and promote biodiversity. Here’s why they’re misguided
Hawaii has emerged as ground zero for efforts to raise the awareness of the dangers of invasive species. Just last month, biosecurity experts testified in the state legislature, forecasting more…
Genes Behind Depression Could Pave Way for Other Mental Disorders
Summary: Researchers completed the largest-ever genetic study on depression, encompassing 1.3 million genomes. Their findings indicate that individuals with hospital-treated depression have an increased genetic risk for other psychiatric conditions…
