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.

Genetic Inheritance

What is the Expanded Genetic Code?

Genetic Change

Von Recklinghausen Disease Expressivity

Genetic Regulation of Fingers and Toes Development

Genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

What is Genetic Anticipation?

Genetics and Gene Expression

Genetics Research and Technology

What is Cytogenetics?

History of Genetics

See more featured articles »

Applications of the Expanded Genetic Code

The Importance of Genetic Counseling In Healthcare And Medicine

The Role of Alternative Splicing in Disease

Genotype Versus Phenotype

START and STOP Codons

Genetic Risk Associated with Social Anxiety

Latest Genetics News and Research

Potassium-rich DASH diet does not cause hyperkalemia in individuals taking blood pressure drugs

Increased consumption of potassium-rich foods that are part of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet did not raise blood potassium to dangerous levels in people taking medications to lower their blood pressure, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026.

8 Oct 2026

Study explains how sickle cell variant shapes malaria parasite infections

Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases on the planet, afflicting people for the entirety of recorded history.

8 Oct 2026

Universal germline genetic testing catches missed cancer risks in older patients

Universal germline genetic testing of nearly 40,000 patients with solid tumors detected a substantial proportion of inherited gene variants that would have been missed by the standard germline testing approach that excludes those over age 50.

8 Oct 2026

Study links non-brain gene variant to anorexia risk

A gene primarily active in fat and muscles could make a person more susceptible to anorexia nervosa, a deadly eating disorder with one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disease.

8 Oct 2026

Three NHS genetics labs fail to routinely share vital variant data

Three out of England's seven NHS genetics laboratories are failing to routinely share vital information about genetic variants in public databases that helps patients with rare diseases access diagnosis and care, reveals an investigation by The BMJ today.

8 Oct 2026

Gut inflammation may explain food sensitivities in IBD patients

A new study, to be published in Gastroenterology, finds that gut inflammation can change the way gut bacteria break down food - possibly triggering immune reactions to foods that were previously fine to eat.

7 Oct 2026

Ancient gut microbes migrated with humans across the globe

As waves of humans left Africa tens of thousands of years ago, eventually populating the entire planet, they were joined on their world-conquering ride by the trillions of microorganisms that compose the gut microbiome.

7 Oct 2026

Researchers find gene expression patterns linked to severe pediatric COVID-19

Researchers have identified patterns of gene activity associated with severe COVID-19 in children that are shared with other serious respiratory infections.

7 Oct 2026

NCCN summit highlights strategies to improve cancer prevention and screening

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) hosted a two-day summit focused on expanding access to life-saving cancer prevention and screening.

6 Oct 2026

Study uncovers link between inherited blindness and a gene causing rare metabolic disease

Researchers at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) led the discovery of an unexpected connection between inherited blindness and a gene known for causing a rare metabolic disorder.

6 Oct 2026

Timing of brain surgery critical for certain Parkinson's patients

The timing of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery is a critical factor in preserving cognitive function for Parkinson's disease patients with a specific genetic mutation, according to a new study by an international team of researchers.

6 Oct 2026

Skin biopsy offers less invasive diagnosis for mitochondrial disease

Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) and the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine have published one of the largest studies to date evaluating advanced laboratory testing for mitochondrial disease, providing new evidence that a small skin biopsy can often help diagnose these rare and complex conditions without the need for more invasive procedures.

6 Oct 2026

Fontan circulation linked to accelerated biological aging in youth

Our birthdays tell us how long we have lived, but not necessarily how our bodies are aging. Biological age reflects the condition and function of our cells and tissues, shaped by genetics, lifestyle, environment, and disease.

6 Oct 2026

Cigarette smoke alters lung stem cells to drive specific cancers

Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke may reprogram different populations of lung stem cells, which maintain and repair lung tissue, in ways that make them vulnerable to specific cancer-causing gene alterations and ultimately helps determine the type of lung cancer that develops.

6 Oct 2026