Over the last decade, a growing chorus of scientists has declared that biological sex is not binary. Properly assessing human diversity requires us to apply a broader definition of this…
Category: Genetics
Viewpoint: Controversy heats up over ‘informed consent’ for trans-identifying teenagers seeking a sex change operation
In the U.S., the mainstream medical (and legal) community strongly supports gender-affirming care for young people. Most American doctors “maintain… that “gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving medical treatment that supports individuals…
Different Autism Genes, Same Brain Signature
Summary: New research shows that different genetic forms of autism may produce a shared brain activity pattern, revealing a potential common neural signature despite distinct genetic origins. Using brain-wide recordings…
Viewpoint: Here’s why farmers use pesticides like atrazine and glyphosate—and why they are safe
Corn growers need access to all types of pesticides. [Glyphosate was] developed more than 50 years ago to control a wide range of problematic weeds. Atrazine is another valued herbicide…
Genetic Sensitivity to Environment May Shape Mental Health Traits
Summary: A large international study of over 21,000 identical twins has identified genetic variants that influence how individuals respond to life experiences, affecting traits such as anxiety, depression, and autistic…
Viewpoint: Sustainable agriculture: Why gene editing should be welcomed by organic farmers
Gene editing should be allowed in organic crop cultivation to boost yields and promote more sustainable farming practices, according to an international research team led by scientists at the University…
Challenging the ‘multi-billion dollar fear-and-smear campaign against genetically-engineered crops’
It’s been said before but is worth repeating: Humans have been modifying the DNA of our food for thousands of years. It’s called … agriculture. Early farmers, >10,000 years ago), used…
Viewpoint: Is Trump’s embrace of nuclear energy a game changer?
President Trump [recently] signed four executive orders aimed at moving the United States’ nuclear industry forward. The executive orders (EOs) push for more efficient licensing at the NRC, building a…
Dormant Stem Cells May Hold Key to Restoring Sense of Smell
Summary: Researchers have created a 3D mouse organoid model to study how neurons in the nose regenerate, revealing that a type of stem cell once considered dormant may be crucial…
Shared Genetic Signatures Found Across Psychiatric Disorders
Summary: Researchers have uncovered shared biological mechanisms across major psychiatric disorders by analyzing postmortem brain samples from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Instead of looking at gene expression broadly, they zoomed…
