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.

History of Genetics

Genomics involves the study of genes, genetics, inheritance, molecular biology, biochemistry, biological statistics and incorporates the knowledge of advanced technology, computer science and mathematics.

Genetics and Gene Expression

Genetic Change

Genetics Research and Technology

Genetic Inheritance

START and STOP Codons

What is the Expanded Genetic Code?

Applications of the Expanded Genetic Code

Genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Genetic Risk Associated with Social Anxiety

Von Recklinghausen Disease Expressivity

What is Genetic Anticipation?

See more featured articles »

Genetic Regulation of Fingers and Toes Development

Latest Genetics News and Research

TRA-1 gene determines the sex of roundworms

Biological sex is typically understood in binary terms: male and female. However, there are many examples of animals that are able to modify sex-typical biological and behavioral features and even change sex.

11 Aug 2020

Genomic sequencing falls short as a standalone screening tool for newborns

With the rise of genomic sequencing, health technology companies are promising parents they can detect rare metabolic disorders in newborns who, despite a healthy appearance, may need immediate treatment.

10 Aug 2020

NIH supports research on how pathogens evolve

For several years, physicist John Barton at the University of California, Riverside, has been working on developing models to understand and predict how pathogens, such as HIV, evolve. This research pursuit has just received support from the National Institutes of Health.

10 Aug 2020

HPV type may impact cervical cancer characteristics and prognosis

An analysis of cervical cancers in Ugandan women has uncovered significant genomic differences between tumors caused by different strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), signifying HPV type may impact cervical cancer characteristics and prognosis.

10 Aug 2020

Kids with silent malaria remain vulnerable to developing endemic Burkitt lymphoma

A study has found strong similarities between children with endemic Burkitt lymphoma — an aggressive cancer that attacks the body's defense system and children with silent malaria infection.

10 Aug 2020

Research identifies a potential therapeutic target for clogged arteries

New work led by Carnegie's Meredith Wilson and Steve Farber identifies a potential therapeutic target for clogged arteries and other health risks that stem from an excess of harmful fats in the bloodstream. Their findings are published by PLOS Genetics.

7 Aug 2020

New approach enhances prediction of type 1 diabetes among susceptible children

A new approach to predicting which babies will develop type 1 diabetes moves a step closer to routine testing for newborns which could avoid life-threatening complications.

7 Aug 2020

New approach improves SCA1 symptoms in animal models

Research has shown that a mutation in the ATAXIN-1 gene leads to accumulation of Ataxin-1 (ATXN1) protein in brain cells and is the root cause of a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1).

7 Aug 2020

Custom smartwatch tracks drug levels inside the body in real time

Engineers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and their colleagues at Stanford School of Medicine have demonstrated that drug levels inside the body can be tracked in real time using a custom smartwatch that analyzes the chemicals found in sweat.

7 Aug 2020

Study reveals the genetic cause of congenital malformation

Study by the University of Bonn reveals that genetic information controls development of the urinary tract, rectum and genitals Spontaneous mutations of a single gene are likely to cause serious developmental disorders of the excretory organs and genitalia.

7 Aug 2020

New document includes practical resources to improve diversity and inclusion in clinical research

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated social and health inequities and the impact of structural and systemic racism in society.

7 Aug 2020

Humans promote diseases from the animal kingdom

The coronavirus pandemic, which has now infected nearly 19 million and killed more than 712,000 people, most likely originated from bats. Just like other coronavirus outbreaks in the past, a spill-over event or zoonosis caused the viruses to jump from animals to humans.

6 Aug 2020

Tasmanian devil research provides new insights for treating human cancers in future

A rare, transmissible tumor has brought the iconic Tasmanian devil to the brink of extinction, but new research by scientists at Washington State University and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle indicates hope for the animals' survival and possibly new treatment for human cancers.

6 Aug 2020

COST Actions to deal with COVID-19 crisis

The current COVID-19 crisis puts the world to the test, and research and innovation will be key in tackling this enormous challenge.

6 Aug 2020

Unique molecular mechanics can pave way for potential treatments for infections

Unique molecular mechanics allowing parasites to thrive in the guts of one billion people open the door to new treatments that are safe for the host.

6 Aug 2020

Researchers shed new light on epigenetic changes associated with ADNP syndrome

A study led by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai found that two different blood epigenetic signatures associated with ADNP syndrome (also known as Helsmoortel-Van Der Aa syndrome) have only a modest correlation with clinical manifestations of the syndrome. The study results were published online August 5 in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

6 Aug 2020

New research project receives federal funding to expand treatment options for sickle cell patients

A new research project that could impact and expand the discovery of new treatment options for sickle cell patients has received significant federal funding.

5 Aug 2020

Researchers evaluate the properties of anterograde and retrograde viral tracers

Researchers from the newly-established Center for Neural Circuit Mapping at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine evaluate the properties of anterograde and retrograde viral tracers, comparing their strengths and limitations for use in neural circuit mapping. Results were published today as a primer in Neuron.

5 Aug 2020

Scientists detect emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in Rwanda

Resistance to artemisinin, the main component of the current antimalarial treatments recommended by WHO, is already widespread in South-East Asia, but it had not previously been described in Africa.

5 Aug 2020

Drug candidate successfully reversed memory loss in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

A drug candidate developed by Salk researchers, and previously shown to slow aging in brain cells, successfully reversed memory loss in a mouse model of inherited Alzheimer's disease.

5 Aug 2020