Genetics
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GeneticsDNA testing looks into dog breeds and cat history
Dog and cat breeds can look very different from one another. How does it happen? Combinations of tiny genetic tweaks.
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GeneticsCRISPR enters its first human trials
A host of new human trials are using a gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to treat genetic diseases — from sickle cell and cancers to a blinding eye disorder.
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MicrobesObesity in mice caused by defects in their immune system
Subtle defects in T cell function alter rodents’ microbiome and fat absorption, providing hints of what might also be going on in people.
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AgricultureAs infections ravage food crops, scientists fight back
Diseases threaten important food crops like cocoa beans, wheat and citrus. Scientists are working to understand these infections — and fight back.
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Health & MedicineA fungus plus a spider toxin equals a weapon to kill mosquitoes
A new weapon could help fight mosquitoes that spread malaria. It’s an engineered fungus that infects the insects — then kills them with a spider poison.
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HumansDNA reveals clues to the Siberian ancestors of the first Americans
Researchers discovered a previously unknown population of Ice Age people who crossed the Asia-North America land bridge.
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AnimalsTwo teens pull DNA from birds out of the air
Animals shed DNA into their environment. Usually scientists find it in water or soil. Now, two teens have figured out how to capture this “environmental DNA” from air.
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LifeHow some birds lost the ability to fly
Some birds have evolved to stay on the ground instead of flying. Scientists think changes to bossy bits of DNA might be the reason.
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GeneticsScientists Say: Genealogy
This is the study of someone’s ancestry. It could mean finding out about someone’s family tree or the history of evolution from one species to another.
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GeneticsShaking hands could transfer your DNA — leaving it on things you never touched
After a long handshake, the DNA you trade could end up on things you never touched.
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GeneticsThe smell of fear may make it hard for dogs to track some people
Genes and stress may change someone’s scent, confusing search dogs.
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Science & SocietySome scientists ask for ban on the gene editing of babies
Scientists and research organizations have just issued calls for a voluntary ban on editing genes that can be inherited by people.