Genetics

  1. Genetics

    Human genes often best Neandertal ones in brain, testes

    Differing activity of human and Neandertal versions of genes may help explain health risks.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  2. Anthropology

    Power may have passed via women in ancient Chaco Canyon society

    DNA points to a 330-year-long reign of a maternal dynasty centered in New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon.

    By Bruce Bower
  3. Microbes

    Microbes survived inside giant cave crystals for up to 50,000 years

    Microbes trapped in crystals in Mexico's Naica mine may represent some of the most distinct life-forms found in Earth so far.

    By Ashley Yeager
  4. Genetics

    Human gene editing therapies are OK in certain cases, panel advises

    A panel of experts says clinical gene editing to correct and prevent human disease should move forward, but enhancements should not be allowed.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  5. Genetics

    Number of species depends how you count them

    Genetic evidence alone may overestimate numbers of species, researchers warn.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  6. Anthropology

    DNA points to millennia of stability in East Asian hunter-fisher population

    Ancient hunter-gatherers in East Asia are remarkably similar, genetically, to modern people living in the area. Unlike what happened in Western Europe, this region might not have seen waves of farmers take over.

    By Meghan Rosen
  7. Genetics

    CRISPR used in cows to help fight tuberculosis

    Chinese researchers used a CRISPR/Cas 9 gene editor to make cows more resistant to tuberculosis.

    By Helen Thompson
  8. Genetics

    CRISPR used in cows to help fight tuberculosis

    Chinese researchers used a CRISPR/Cas 9 gene editor to make cows more resistant to tuberculosis.

    By Helen Thompson
  9. Plants

    Big genetics study blazes path for bringing back tomato flavor

    Combining taste tests with genetics suggests what makes heirloom varieties tastier than mass-market tomatoes.

    By Susan Milius
  10. Animals

    Tales of creatures large and small made news this year

    Scientists filled in the details of some famous evolutionary tales in 2016 — and discovered a few surprises about creatures large and small.

    By Cassie Martin
  11. Life

    Force-detecting protein senses when lungs fill with air

    A study in mice pinpoints a force-detecting protein that regulates breathing, previously implicated in touch.

    By Rachel Ehrenberg
  12. Genetics

    50 years ago, alcohol use was linked to several gene variants

    50 years later, scientists are still searching for genes that influence drinking.

    By Tina Hesman Saey