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.

Genetics Research and Technology

The Importance of Genetic Counseling In Healthcare And Medicine

Genotype Versus Phenotype

Genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

History of Genetics

What is Cytogenetics?

The Role of Alternative Splicing in Disease

START and STOP Codons

Genetic Change

Von Recklinghausen Disease Expressivity

Genetic Inheritance

See more featured articles »

Applications of the Expanded Genetic Code

Genetics and Gene Expression

What is Genetic Anticipation?

Genetic Regulation of Fingers and Toes Development

Genetic Risk Associated with Social Anxiety

What is the Expanded Genetic Code?

Latest Genetics News and Research

Inherited Neandertal gene variant increases muscle mass in modern humans

Neandertals were generally more strongly built than most people living today. Their bones show signs of large muscles, and they had characteristic features such as prominent brow ridges and relatively short tooth roots.

5 Aug 2026

Inflammatory bowel disease linked to elevated risk of psychiatric disorders

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face a significantly higher risk of psychiatric disorders starting two to three years before diagnosis and lasting up to a decade after, according to a nationwide study to be published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

5 Aug 2026

Cellular senescence drives progression of spinal disc degeneration and pain

A growing body of scientific insight is drawing attention to cellular senescence as a central force in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), a leading contributor to chronic low back pain worldwide.

5 Aug 2026

KCNE gene family emerges as a promising target for future precision medicine

A growing understanding of the KCNE gene family is reshaping how scientists view the regulation of electrical signaling across the human body, highlighting its essential role in maintaining normal physiological function and its connection to a wide range of diseases.

5 Aug 2026

Targeted dendritic cell vaccines emerge as a major step forward in cancer immunotherapy

A major step forward in cancer immunotherapy is emerging through the growing development of dendritic cell vaccines, a highly targeted approach designed to harness the body's own immune system to fight tumors.

5 Aug 2026

Review highlights the importance of miR-23b in shaping cancer development and progression

A new review highlights the growing importance of miR-23b, a small but powerful regulator of gene expression, in shaping the development and progression of a wide range of cancers.

5 Aug 2026

Versatile receptor protein plays critical role in regulating tissue repair

A comprehensive new review highlights the expanding importance of Lgr6, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, as a critical regulator of tissue homeostasis, injury repair, and disease development across multiple organ systems.

5 Aug 2026

Specialized selenoproteins play critical role in regulating cellular health

A new review highlights the remarkable importance of selenoproteins, a specialized group of molecules that, despite their small size, play a decisive role in shaping cellular fate and maintaining biological balance.

5 Aug 2026

Obscure X chromosome protein emerges as key driver in several cancers

A little-known protein encoded on the X chromosome is attracting growing attention for its potential role in cancer development and treatment.

5 Aug 2026

Intertwined cellular processes reshape understanding of diabetes

A deeper understanding of how key cellular processes interact is reshaping perspectives on diabetes and its wide-ranging complications.

5 Aug 2026

Air pollution may worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and flare risk

A novel study shows that exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter like dust, soot, and smoke (PM2.5), is associated with increased disease activity and flare risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

5 Aug 2026

Study maps how birth order tracks disease risk across 10 million siblings

Researchers analyzing claims from more than 10 million siblings linked first-born status to higher odds of several neurodevelopmental and allergic diagnoses, while second-born status tracked with substance abuse and gastrointestinal conditions. The observational study identified 150 significant birth-order associations across the phenome, but claims data and residual confounding prevent causal conclusions.

4 Aug 2026

3D DNA organization in rare immune cells can explain Crohn's disease risk

A new study co-led by Prof. Valeriya Malysheva, group leader at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, has been published in Nature Genetics.

4 Aug 2026

Australian-first twin study aims to to unlock new insights into immune health

An Australian-first study of twins will seek to find out why two genetically similar people respond differently to infections, diseases and treatments.

4 Aug 2026

New genomic approach links rare immune cells to autoimmune disease risk

Much of how genetic risk leads to disease has remained hidden. In many cases, genetic variants linked to disease do not act on nearby genes along the chromosome.

4 Aug 2026

Complete medaka genome sequence reveals repetitive DNA with biological significance

Researchers sequenced the genomes of three medakas, or Japanese rice fish, which are a common model organism used for biological research, nearly 10 and 20 years ago.

3 Aug 2026

Cell village approach reveals genetic differences in cell fitness

How readily a cell divides and how well it survives is fundamental to life, shaping everything from organ size to the body's ability to withstand disease.

3 Aug 2026

Advances in X chromosome inactivation open therapeutic opportunities for X-linked genetic disorders

A new review explores how advances in understanding X chromosome inactivation (XCI) are creating potential therapeutic opportunities for a range of X-linked genetic disorders, including Rett syndrome, Fabry disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and others.

3 Aug 2026

Study of lung immune cells uncovers roots of autoimmune disease

A massive analysis of immune cells in human tissue is yielding clues to the root cause of lung and autoimmune diseases.

3 Aug 2026

Sensitive parenting buffers against child ADHD risks from pregnancy

Research from Oregon Health & Science University's Center for Mental Health Innovation provides new evidence that the way caregivers interact with children when they're very young can protect against the negative effects of inflammation during pregnancy, including increased attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, symptoms in children.

3 Aug 2026