genetics

The condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is inherited and can be a killer. But some of the genetic mutations once thought linked to the illness are actually harmless, geneticists say.

Study Of Sudden Cardiac Death Exposes Limits Of Genetic Testing

8:57pm August 17, 2016

by Richard Harris

Some genetic tests for a common cause of sudden heart failure can be wrong, researchers say, because the underlying science didn't take into account racial diversity.

Genetically modified mosquitoes are released in Piracicaba, Brazil, in an effort to combat Zika virus. These mosquitoes were modified using conventional techniques.

New Genetic Engineering Method Called Promising — And Perilous

5:06pm June 08, 2016

by Rob Stein

A technology known as a gene drive might be deployed to re-engineer species and stop diseases like malaria. But a scientific advisory panel says research and use should proceed with great caution.

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Zunika Crenshaw helps her 3-year-old daughter Jhase Crenshaw Bass with an asthma inhaler.

Scientists Seek Genetic Clues To Asthma's Toll On Black Children

10:18pm June 07, 2016

by Lesley McClurg

Most genetic studies look only at people of European descent. But black and Hispanic children are far more likely to die of asthma, and genetic differences may help explain why.

Milo Lorentzen is 5 years old, and is one of only three people in the world known to have a mutation in a gene called KDM1A.

Families Isolated By Rare Genetic Conditions Find New Ways To Reach Out

7:00am June 05, 2016

by Kat Snow

A website that helps connect families of kids who have extremely rare genetic diseases with scientists — and with other families — is turning up new diagnoses, support and avenues of treatment.

Scientists Say They Hope To Create A Human Genome In The Lab

12:44pm June 03, 2016

by Rob Stein

A synthetic version of the human genetic blueprint might used for a wide range of medical research, scientists say. But it's far from reality, and comes with big ethical and safety questions.

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The Power Of Genes, And The Line Between Biology And Destiny

9:09am May 17, 2016

Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee says genetics play a significant role in identity, temperament, sexual orientation and disease risk — but that environment also matters. His new book is The Gene.

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Genetic Variations Help Make Fraternal Twins More Likely

2:22pm April 28, 2016

by Madeline K Sofia

Scientists identified two genetic variants that make it more likely that a woman will give birth to fraternal twins. Knowing this might help develop safer fertility treatments.

When Erika Stallings was 22, she found out that she might have a genetic mutation that greatly increased her risk of cancer.

More People Seek Genetic Testing, But There Aren't Enough Counselors

4:03pm April 18, 2016

by Todd Bookman

After Angelina Jolie disclosed her genetic predisposition for breast cancer, demand for genetic tests went up. Counselors help interpret those tests, and demand for their services has increased, too.

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A lucky few stay healthy despite carrying genetic defects linked to serious diseases. What protects them?

Health & Safety

How Do 'Genetic Superheroes' Overcome Their Bad DNA?

6:36pm April 11, 2016

by Rob Stein

Why do some people get sick from genetic mutations and others don't? Scientists say clues may lie in a rare group of people who carry profound genetic defects but somehow don't fall ill.

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Noooo. But you can blame Mom and Dad for that gray hair, at least some of the time.

This Gene Could Turn Your Hair Gray

3:23pm March 01, 2016

by Nancy Shute

Is stress turning your hair gray? Your ancestors may have something to do with it, too. Scientists say they've found the first genetic variant associated with going gray.