Scientists sequence Beethoven's genome for clues into his painful past
Scientists have sequenced the genome of Ludwig van Beethoven from two-century-old locks of hair, and found clues about the ailments that plagued him in life.
genetics
Why scientists dug up the father of genetics, Gregor Mendel, and analyzed his DNA
The year 2022 was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Gregor Mendel. He's known as the father of genetics, so scientists exhumed Mendel's body and examined his DNA.
So you haven't caught COVID yet. Does that mean you're a superdodger?
A new study suggests that. yes, there are superdodgers. But explaining why they've been able to avoid the virus is a bit complicated.
Is breeding bulldogs cruel? Animal groups debate how to make them healthier
With smushed-in faces and compact bodies, bulldogs are prone to health problems. A court in Norway recently banned breeding them, sparking an international debate.
Scientists Say They Could Bring Back Woolly Mammoths. But Maybe They Shouldn't
A company formed by Harvard genetics professor George Church, known for his pioneering work in genome sequencing and gene splicing, hopes to genetically resurrect woolly mammoths.
Embryo Research To Reduce Need For In Vitro Fertilization Raises Ethical Concerns
Aiming to find a cheaper, easier way than IVF to ensure human embryos are healthy before implantation, researchers paid women to be inseminated, then flushed the embryos from their wombs for analysis.
How Should Scientists' Access To Health Databanks Be Managed?
Medical and genetic data from more than a million Americans are now in scientific databases. Some programs hoard the data, while others share widely with scientists, hoping to speed medical discovery.
UK Biobank Requires Earth's Geneticists To Cooperate, Not Compete
A project that shares medical information from 500,000 volunteers is driving innovative research around the world. The richness of the database means scientists are motivated to make it even better.
UNC Study Finds That Anorexia Is Both Metabolic And Psychiatric
New research is changing the way we understand anorexia nervosa — a disorder characterized by dangerously low body we
Genetic Counselors Of Color Tackle Racial, Ethnic Disparities In Health Care
They work with patients to decide when genetic testing is appropriate, interpret test results and counsel families on the ways hereditary diseases might impact them. A trusting relationship is key.