Genetics

Animals

Year in review: New dates, place proposed for dogs’ beginnings

This year’s dog research suggested older origins and a new location of domestication for man's best friend.

Genetics

Year in review: Fluke extinction surprises lab

A die-off of bacteria in a carefully controlled lab experiment offered an evolutionary lesson this year: Survival depends not only on fitness but also on luck.

Plants

Single gene influences a petunia’s primary pollinator

Mutations on a single gene determine how much ultraviolet light a petunia flower absorbs, and in turn, which animal pollinates the flower.

Neuroscience

Brain shapes come from mom and dad

By linking genes to brain shapes, scientists have a new way to study how the brain works.

Genetics

Liberia’s Ebola outbreak largely traced to one source

Ebola’s spread and evolution in Liberia echoes patterns seen in Sierra Leone.

Animals

Water bears’ genetic borrowing questioned

A new analysis of tardigrade DNA suggests that water bears don’t swap many genes with other organisms after all.

Genetics

DNA editing shows success in mosquito sterilization

A new gene drive that sterilizes females could reduce numbers of malaria mosquitoes

Genetics

Human gene editing research gets green light

Gene editing research can move forward, but not for reproductive purposes, international summit committee says.

Genetics

Scientists consider new genetic power and its impacts

Thanks to CRISPR, scientists’ plans for effective use of gene drives suddenly look feasible.

Genetics

Gene drives spread their wings

Gene drives may wipe out malaria and take down invasive species. But they may be difficult to control.

Genetics

Can DNA predict a face?

DNA-based facial sketches are moving into the crime-solving arena. With current science, predictions of some features are better than others.

Genetics

Water bears are genetic mash-ups

Drying out may help tardigrades soak up new DNA, which in turn aids the water bears in withstanding stress.