DNA
Genetic Tests Like 23andMe Promise the Moon and Stars—but What Can They Actually Tell Us?
The darker side of DNA tests reveals itself when a company overpromises their diagnostic abilities, providing an avenue for people to seek astrology-style answers to questions that should be addressed by medical experts.
Why Is Border Patrol Planning to DNA Test Asylum Seekers?
The Department of Homeland Security will use the tests to identify what it calls fraudulent families. But advocates say the plan raises privacy concerns.
The Questionable Ethics of Expanding Forensic DNA Testing
The use of genetic information collected by private companies in criminal investigations raises a number of issues about transparency and privacy.
America's Endangered Natural History Museums Hold the DNA Secrets of a Vanishing World
If it's true we're on the verge of a sixth extinction, these smaller collections offer crucial perspectives—and specimens—that bigger museums simply can't provide.
The Chinese Scientist Who Engineered HIV-Resistant Babies May Now Face Legal Consequences
A Chinese scientist who engineered the first gene-edited babies may now face serious charges for fraudulent practices.
The Genetic Case Against Designer Babies
The science does not support the idea that we can alter a child's DNA to ensure certain health and intelligence outcomes.
DNA Diets
So far, attempts to optimize our diets based on our DNA have not panned out.
Using DNA to Speed Up Identification of Aquatic Plants
A research team in Canada has tested the use of environmental DNA to ease the process of identifying and surveying aquatic plants.
After the Golden State Killer's Apprehension, People Are Concerned About the Privacy of Genetic Tests. They Shouldn't Be.
The Joseph DeAngelo case has raised concerns about the privacy of data produced by consumer genetic tests. But really, law enforcement should be using DNA evidence more often.
As Technology Gets Better, Ethical Prohibitions on Genetically Modifying Human Embryos Are Getting Weaker
It's become too late to ask whether or not we should edit the human germline; we can now only ask how the experiments will proceed.
A Short Sequence of Fish DNA Could Change Our Understanding of Virus Reproduction
Researchers in Tokyo discovered a strain of herpes contained in a "jumping gene" found in fish and humans—the implications are still unknown.
How Do Our Bodies Respond to Pollution?
Fish can change their DNA in response to contamination, but it's still unclear how our bodies cope with the issue.
Can the Law Enforcement's DNA Database Tell Police Your Medical Information?
Advances in DNA profiling bring up some interesting questions.
How Slavery Changed the DNA of African Americans
Widespread sexual exploitation before the Civil War strongly influenced the genetic make-up of essentially all African Americans alive today.
Shelf Help: 'The Social Life of DNA'
Can genetic tests restore lost legacies?
Privacy Not Included: Federal Law Lags Way Behind New Health-Care Technology
The federal privacy law known as HIPAA doesn’t cover home paternity tests, fitness trackers, or health apps. When a Florida woman complained after seeing the paternity test results of thousands of people online, federal regulators told her they didn’t have jurisdiction.
Why We're All Mutants
We all carry genetic mutations, and new studies are revealing their impact.
Next-Generation Prenatal Genetic Tests Are Turning Fate Into Choice
As a new non-invasive technology makes prenatal genetic tests more common, many more pregnant women will have to choose whether or not to have a disabled child.
Scientists Quantify How Different Humans Are From Each Other, Genetically
We're definitely distinct, but not too different.
The FBI Built a Database That Can Catch Serial Rapists—and Almost Nobody Uses It
For roughly 30 years the FBI has virtually ignored a system meant to help cops track the behavioral patterns of violent criminals.
Genes May Cause Educational Struggles for More People Than We Ever Expected
A study finds a new link between mutations and intellectual disability, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore non-genetic factors.
Why Curiosity Should Drive Our Scientific Agenda
Basic research can seem wasteful, but politicians should resist the temptation to set science’s priorities.
The Questionability of Forensic Science
A recent study on the reliability of hair analysis is only the latest to shake public confidence.
The Frustrating Hunt for the Genes That Make Us Human
Researchers are finding many genes unique to our species, but so far they reveal little about our most human traits.