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.

Applications of the Expanded Genetic Code

Genetic Risk Associated with Social Anxiety

The Importance of Genetic Counseling In Healthcare And Medicine

START and STOP Codons

Genetic Inheritance

History of Genetics

Genetic Regulation of Fingers and Toes Development

What is Cytogenetics?

What is Genetic Anticipation?

Genotype Versus Phenotype

What is the Expanded Genetic Code?

See more featured articles »

Genetics and Gene Expression

The Role of Alternative Splicing in Disease

Genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Von Recklinghausen Disease Expressivity

Genetic Change

Genetics Research and Technology

Latest Genetics News and Research

Rethinking dopamine’s role in movement and Parkinson’s disease

A McGill-led study is challenging a popular theory about how dopamine drives movement, a discovery that could shift how scientists think about Parkinson's disease treatments.

17 Dec 2025

Lysophosphatidylcholines show gene-dependent effects in early Alzheimer’s disease

A new study presents robust evidence on the role of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that LPCs-compounds that transport a variety of healthy fatty acids to the brain-either promote Alzheimer's or protect against it, depending on a person's genetics.

17 Dec 2025

Hyperphosphorylated tau may help protect the brain from infection

One of the main proteins that contributes to Alzheimer's disease is called phospho-tau (p-tau). When p-tau gets too many phosphate groups attached to it (a process called hyperphosphorylation), it starts to stick together and form clumps called "tangles" inside of brain nerve cells.

17 Dec 2025

Researchers uncover how a gene influences cell size across various cell types

What keeps our cells the right size? Scientists have long puzzled over this fundamental question, since cells that are too large or too small are linked to many diseases. Until now, the genetic basis behind cell size has largely been a mystery.

17 Dec 2025

A multi-gene mouse model reveals new mechanisms of Hirschsprung disease

During development of the digestive system, a complex network of nerves forms around it, creating a "second brain" - the enteric nervous system (ENS) - which controls the movement of food and waste through the gut.

16 Dec 2025

First-of-its-kind mRNA system switches on therapeutic genes inside targeted cells

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a first-of-its-kind mRNA system that switches on therapeutic genes preferentially inside targeted cells-an advance demonstrated in studies in mice that could lay the groundwork for safer, more precise treatments for cancer and other diseases.

16 Dec 2025

Tau biology expands beyond microtubules to neurodegeneration, metabolism and mental illness

An Thought Leaders Invited Review published today in Genomic Psychiatry by Dr. Peng Lei and colleagues presents a sweeping synthesis of tau protein research that fundamentally reframes our understanding of this molecule's dual identity.

16 Dec 2025

Scientists discover rapid synapse adaptation in neuronal communication

Every movement you make and every memory you form depends on precise communication between neurons. When that communication is disrupted, the brain must rapidly rebalance its internal signaling to keep circuits functioning properly.

16 Dec 2025

Mediterranean diet and healthy habits improve cancer survival rates

Being more physically active, following a balanced diet, not smoking, and keeping body weight and blood pressure under control: the same habits that protect the heart also prove decisive after a cancer diagnosis.

16 Dec 2025

New initiative aims to transform care for early-onset cancer patients

More people under age 50 are developing cancer, and with that comes a shift in the model of care needed to serve this unique cancer patient population – including early access to fertility counseling, universal genomic testing to identify underlying genetic drivers, support resources to address long-term survivorship considerations, and community education regarding early detection and screening.

15 Dec 2025

ADHD linked to higher risk of criminal convictions and family patterns

A largescale, comprehensive study has found that individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of being convicted of crimes compared to those without ADHD, and that this association extends to their relatives, suggesting shared familial factors such as genetics and environmental conditions.

15 Dec 2025

Blood test identifies colon cancer patients who benefit from anti-inflammatory medication

A blood test could help doctors decide which patients with colon cancer should receive anti-inflammatory medication along with chemotherapy after surgery, according to new study in JAMA Oncology.

15 Dec 2025

Novel AI tool not only identifies genetic mutations but also predicts the type of disease

Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a novel artificial intelligence tool that not only identifies disease-causing genetic mutations but also predicts the type of disease those mutations may trigger.

15 Dec 2025

Distinct transcriptomic profiles guide early development of maxillary and mandibular teeth

The interaction between genetics and tissue environment shapes how individual teeth form in different regions of the jaw.

12 Dec 2025

Menopausal hormone therapy shows no added breast cancer risk for BRCA carriers

Using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, according to the results of a matched prospective analysis presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), held December 9-12, 2025.

12 Dec 2025

Researchers identify chromatin accessibility changes driving stem cell transformation in MDS

Over the past few decades, advances in hematology have illuminated how a delicate balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation sustains healthy blood formation.

12 Dec 2025

Massive genetics study shows what truly separates and unites 14 psychiatric disorders

This large-scale genomic analysis of 14 psychiatric disorders shows that most heritable risk is shared across five broad genetic factors, with only limited disorder-specific variation. The study maps where risks converge or diverge biologically, revealing distinct cell type signatures and developmental pathways that may guide future diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks.

12 Dec 2025