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.

The Role of Alternative Splicing in Disease

What is Cytogenetics?

What is Genetic Anticipation?

START and STOP Codons

Genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

What is the Expanded Genetic Code?

Applications of the Expanded Genetic Code

Von Recklinghausen Disease Expressivity

Genetic Risk Associated with Social Anxiety

History of Genetics

Genetics and Gene Expression

See more featured articles »

Genetic Inheritance

Genetic Regulation of Fingers and Toes Development

Genetics Research and Technology

Genetic Change

Genotype Versus Phenotype

The Importance of Genetic Counseling In Healthcare And Medicine

Latest Genetics News and Research

Modern pollutants and ancient genetic variants could explain why some women develop endometriosis

A new study suggests that certain genetic differences, passed down from ancient human ancestors, and exposure to common present-day chemicals could explain why some women are more likely to develop endometriosis.

5 Dec 2025

Study provides first molecular evidence that ferroptosis can drive neurodegeneration

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich, the Technical University of Munich and the LMU University Hospital Munich uncovered a mechanism that protects nerve cells from premature cell death, known as ferroptosis.

4 Dec 2025

New analysis reveals fundamental flaws in widely used measures of biological aging

A landmark review published today in Genomic Psychiatry challenges researchers to fundamentally reconsider how the field measures and conceptualizes biological aging.

3 Dec 2025

Sugar alcohol sorbitol may increase the risk of developing steatotic liver disease

Sweeteners such as aspartame, found in Equal packets, sucralose (Splenda), or sugar alcohols are often seen as healthier alternatives to food with refined sugar (glucose).

3 Dec 2025

Human gene maps show widespread gaps in non-European representation

Human gene maps contain major blind spots because they were built largely from the DNA sequences of people with European ancestry, according to a study published today in Nature Communications.

3 Dec 2025

No clear link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD

Maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy shows weak links to autism and ADHD, with family factors playing a more significant role, offering reassurance.

3 Dec 2025

AI model ranks genetic variants from severe to mild disease mutations

popEVE combines evolutionary insights with human population data to identify damaging genetic mutations, improving variant scoring for rare diseases.

3 Dec 2025

New method reveals how human cells initiate DNA replication

When cells proliferate, genomic DNA is precisely duplicated once per cell cycle. Abnormalities in this DNA replication process can cause alterations in genomic DNA, promoting cellular ageing, cancer, and genetic disorders. Therefore, understanding how cells replicate their DNA is crucial for elucidating fundamental biological processes, diseases, and even evolution.

3 Dec 2025

International collaboration develops STREAMS to standardize microbiome data

Microbiomes, the communities of microorganisms that live in and around us, play a vital role in everything from human health to soil fertility and climate regulation. But studying these tiny life forms, especially outside the human body, presents a major challenge: how do scientists share complex data across such a wide range of environments and disciplines?

2 Dec 2025

New technique helps understand how bacterial shapes contribute to disease

Scientists have long known that bacteria come in many shapes and sizes, but understanding what those differences mean has remained a major challenge, especially for species that can't be grown in the lab. Now, a new study led by Nina Wale, an Assistant Professor in MSU's Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology, introduces a groundbreaking method that could change how researchers study bacterial diversity.

1 Dec 2025

Study reveals ATM kinase as the key driver of replicative senescence

After a finite number of divisions, cells simply give up. As each round of replication trims their telomeres-the protective caps at the chromosome ends-those caps eventually become too short to prevent chromosome ends from being recognized as DNA breaks.

1 Dec 2025

A new generation of AML treatments brings hope for better survival

A new generation of targeted treatments and gentler chemotherapy options for older adults with a new diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is driving better survival and cure rates.

1 Dec 2025

How the gut microbiome links obesity to colorectal cancer

The gut microbiome serves as both a biomarker and therapeutic target in diseases like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and colorectal cancer.

28 Nov 2025

Uncovering the hidden metabolic effects of soybean oil

Soybean oil, the most widely consumed cooking oil in the United States and a staple of processed foods, contributes to obesity, at least in mice, through a mechanism scientists are now beginning to understand.

27 Nov 2025

Missing cancer gene may boost response to immunotherapy

For some patients with the most common type of lung cancer, known as lung adenocarcinoma, there's new hope.

26 Nov 2025

AI model outperforms breast density assessment in breast cancer risk stratification

An image-only artificial intelligence (AI) model for predicting the five-year risk of breast cancer provided stronger and more precise risk stratification than breast density assessment, according to a new study being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

26 Nov 2025

Researchers discover new mutation hotspot in the human genome

Researchers have discovered new regions of the human genome particularly vulnerable to mutations. These altered stretches of DNA can be passed down to future generations and are important for how we study genetics and disease.

26 Nov 2025

Freezing cells for success: DMSO-free redefining the future of cryopreservation

Cryopreservation plays a crucial role in cell biology research, bioprocessing, and biomanufacturing. Traditionally, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) has been the cryoprotectant of choice for preserving cells.

From NIPPON Genetics EUROPE GmbH 25 Nov 2025

Global data show why gut microbiomes in industrialized regions look increasingly alike

Researchers studying more than 1 000 adults across 12 countries found that industrialization is one of the strongest forces reshaping the human gut microbiome, reducing diversity and stability. Industrialized and urban populations also showed higher immune and gut stress markers, suggesting physiological consequences of these altered microbial communities.

25 Nov 2025

Genetic signals reveal why erectile dysfunction develops and who is most at risk

This multi-ancestry genomic study identifies key genetic loci underlying erectile dysfunction and shows that ED risk is shaped by both cardiometabolic and substance use–related genetic pathways. Using EHR-linked data, the researchers uncover SIM1-related mechanisms, modest PRS performance, and bidirectional genetic links with obesity, diabetes, and addiction traits.

25 Nov 2025