Genetics

Genetics is the study of genes and heredity. Heredity is the passing of genetic information and traits (such as eye color and an increased chance of getting a certain disease) from parents to offspring.

How Do Genetic Mutations Cause Disease?

Mutations in genes can lead to genetic disorders, impacting health. Understand the types, causes, and implications of genetic mutations and disease.

What is Cytogenetics?

Applications of the Expanded Genetic Code

Genetic Inheritance

What is Genetic Anticipation?

What is the Expanded Genetic Code?

Genetic Change

Genetic Regulation of Fingers and Toes Development

Genotype Versus Phenotype

Genetic Risk Associated with Social Anxiety

History of Genetics

Genetics and Gene Expression

See more featured articles »

The Importance of Genetic Counseling In Healthcare And Medicine

Genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Von Recklinghausen Disease Expressivity

Genetics Research and Technology

START and STOP Codons

The Role of Alternative Splicing in Disease

Latest Genetics News and Research

Neighborhood poverty, uninsured status linked to COPD hospitalizations

Certain neighborhood characteristics, including higher poverty, more uninsured residents, and lower educational attainment, may lead to an increase in COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations, according to a new study in the January 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

19 Feb 2026

Extreme endurance exercise pushes red blood cells toward accelerated aging

Extreme endurance running damages red blood cells in ways that may affect their ability to function properly, according to a study published in the American Society of Hematology's journal Blood Red Cells & Iron.

18 Feb 2026

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing drives preventive care

23andMe Research Institute today announced the publication of a new study highlighting the positive health actions taken by people who learned of their risk through direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

18 Feb 2026

Myopia may be driven by prolonged close-up focus in low-light environments

For years, rising rates of myopia - or nearsightedness - have been widely attributed to increased screen time, especially among children and young adults.

17 Feb 2026

A yeast-derived genetic tool offers hope for mitochondrial disorders and cancer

Nucleotide synthesis-the production of the basic components of DNA and RNA-is essential for cell growth and division.

17 Feb 2026

Senescent astrocytes identified as key drivers of Alzheimer's progression

Researchers from the NeuroAD group (Neuropathology of Alzheimer's Disease) within the Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology at the University of Málaga, also affiliated with IBIMA-BIONAND Platform and CIBERNED, have made a pioneering breakthrough in the fight against this disease by identifying astrocytes as a promising cellular target for the development of future therapies.

16 Feb 2026

Why lung cancer in never smokers is rising and how targeted detection could reduce deaths

Lung cancer in never smokers is an increasingly recognized global health issue with distinct biological drivers, environmental risk factors, and genetic susceptibilities. Improved risk modelling, targeted screening strategies, and preventive approaches are needed to enable earlier detection and reduce mortality in this growing patient group.

15 Feb 2026

NHS updates bladder cancer chemotherapy guidelines

Hundreds of people with advanced bladder cancer across the UK can now receive three rather than six chemotherapy cycles following research by Queen Mary University of London which has led to a change to NHS treatment guidelines.

13 Feb 2026

Genetic variants in 11 regions of human genome influence the gut microbiome

In two new studies on 28,000 individuals, researchers are able to show that genetic variants in 11 regions of the human genome have a clear influence on which bacteria are in the gut and what they do there.

13 Feb 2026

Distinct microbial signature identified in pediatric Crohn's disease

NYU researchers have found a "microbial signature" of pediatric Crohn's disease that differs from the makeup of gut bacteria in children with other gastrointestinal conditions, with Crohn's patients harboring more pro-inflammatory bacteria and less protective bacteria.

12 Feb 2026

Rising lung cancer in never smokers demands urgent research focus

Lung cancer patients who have never smoked make up a significant and growing share of global lung cancer cases, yet remain an understudied group, according to a new review written by UCL (University College London) researchers.

12 Feb 2026

Brain circuit links past experiences to appetite control

Our past experiences shape how much we eat and where and what we choose to eat. Using preclinical models, researchers from Mass General Brigham and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have identified brain cells that translate contextual information into appetite control.

12 Feb 2026

New roadmap integrates aging into Parkinson disease models

Even though aging is the largest risk factor for Parkinson's disease, the majority of research aimed at taming the able neurodegenerativeincur motor disease has largely left aging out of the mix.

11 Feb 2026

Polygenic analysis provides new insight into hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is one of the most common heritable connective tissue disorders.

10 Feb 2026

Defective ASTN1 gene linked to developmental delay and neurological disorders

Nearly 30 years ago, researchers began studying the gene Astn1, which encodes the cell adhesion protein astrotactin 1 in mice, and its role in brain development.

10 Feb 2026

Researchers uncover mechanisms of three mismatch repair deficient high-grade glioma subtypes

Researchers have uncovered the mechanisms behind three unique subtypes of mismatch repair deficient high-grade gliomas.

10 Feb 2026

Study suggests shingles vaccine may help lower Alzheimer’s and dementia risk

A large observational electronic health record study found that older adults receiving the recombinant zoster vaccine showed substantially lower rates of diagnosed dementia compared with matched unvaccinated individuals. The association persisted after multiple sensitivity analyses, although causality remains unproven and longer follow-up is required given the long latency of dementia.

10 Feb 2026

First wearable device measures human flatulence

Scientists at the University of Maryland have created Smart Underwear, the first wearable device designed to measure human flatulence.

10 Feb 2026

Type 2 diabetes and hypertension share a genetic link, study shows

Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure share a genetic link, new research from the University of Surrey, UK and the Université de Lille, France shows.

10 Feb 2026

Influenza viruses can directly impair heart function

Mount Sinai researchers have identified a cellular mechanism linking infections from influenza A viruses (IAVs) to cardiovascular disease, providing critical insights on how influenza can damage the heart and increase the risk of a heart attack or other major cardiovascular event.

9 Feb 2026