All Stories by Tina Hesman Saey
- Genetics
Explainer: How DNA testing works
Lots of companies will now test DNA from people and their pets. How do these gene-sequencing techniques work? We explain.
- Life
Medicine Nobel honors discovery of how cells deal with oxygen
Three researchers figured out the chemical processes by which cells not only sense, but also cope with, differing levels of oxygen. This could lead to new medicines.
- Genetics
CRISPR enters its first human trials
A host of new human trials are using a gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to treat genetic diseases — from sickle cell and cancers to a blinding eye disorder.
- Microbes
Obesity in mice caused by defects in their immune system
Subtle defects in T cell function alter rodents’ microbiome and fat absorption, providing hints of what might also be going on in people.
- Health & Medicine
A fungus plus a spider toxin equals a weapon to kill mosquitoes
A new weapon could help fight mosquitoes that spread malaria. It’s an engineered fungus that infects the insects — then kills them with a spider poison.
- Life
How some birds lost the ability to fly
Some birds have evolved to stay on the ground instead of flying. Scientists think changes to bossy bits of DNA might be the reason.
- Genetics
Shaking hands could transfer your DNA — leaving it on things you never touched
After a long handshake, the DNA you trade could end up on things you never touched.
- Genetics
The smell of fear may make it hard for dogs to track some people
Genes and stress may change someone’s scent, confusing search dogs.
- Science & Society
Some scientists ask for ban on the gene editing of babies
Scientists and research organizations have just issued calls for a voluntary ban on editing genes that can be inherited by people.
- Health & Medicine
Goose bumps may have hairy benefits
The nerves and muscles needed to set your hair on end and produce goose bumps also play a role in hair growth, new rodent data show. This suggests goose bumps might be useful in promoting hair growth.
- Health & Medicine
Keeping an irregular schedule may change how many calories you burn
Our daily cycle of calorie burning is one of many body processes that follow a biological clock.
- Genetics
Scientist reports first gene editing of humans
A Chinese researcher claims to have edited the DNA of human embryos. Babies from those embryos were born this month, and the news kicked off a firestorm of controversy.
