Genetics

In just over 40 years, we've gone from simple modifications to the development of a gene drive that could eradicate an entire species.

• By Rowan Jacobsen

We are on the brink of being able to genetically engineer an extinction. Should we?

• By Rowan Jacobsen

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.

• By Michael White

Children suffering from Rett Syndrome may have found hope in a drug combination that could potentially reverse disease symptoms by adjusting natural cellular functions.

• By Chelsea Weidman

Good science can combat misinformation, but it won't resolve public debates over homosexuality.

• By Michael White

If the new rule goes through as planned, companies such as 23andMe would have to undergo FDA review just once.

• By Francie Diep

Turns out, our ancient ancestors' consumption of fermented fruits created a genetic mutation that be the cause of alcoholism in people today.

• By Irene Park

Biomedical researchers can see a future where genetic tests are used to treat and prevent many diseases before major symptoms even present themselves. But that future won't be possible without strong insurance protections for pre-existing conditions.

• By Michael White

Jennifer Latson's debut illustrates a boy's coming-of-age, complicated by a genetic disorder that strips peoples' social inhibitions.

• By Peter C. Baker

Consumer genetic tests like 23andMe aren't medical devices, and the FDA shouldn't regulate them like blood-sugar meters or pregnancy tests.

• By Michael White

A study of Neanderthal genes demonstrates the research power of electronic health records.

• By Michael White

Scientists find that, compared to our closest primate relatives, the landscape of the human brain is exceptionally sensitive to external influences.

• By Kate Wheeling

As we wrote earlier this year, the technology can be used in a plethora of positive ways, but there is far from a legal consensus.

• By Wes Judd

The disease model of addiction offers addicts several ways forward—including getting drunk to beat alcoholism.

• By Jordan Rosenfeld

To better understand endangered species, study their genetics.

• By Madeleine Thomas

Genetic tests are becoming increasingly common, but a major medical organization argues that we should be cautious about testing children.

• By Michael White

Genetic studies of living Native Americans and ancient remains are revising our theories about America’s first inhabitants.

• By Michael White

A study finds a new link between mutations and intellectual disability, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore non-genetic factors.

• By Michael White

At least knowing where the slaughter is happening means officials know where to try to stop it.

• By Francie Diep

A study suggests that schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and creativity might share some common genetic roots.

• By Nathan Collins

A few weird possible explanations for a weird case.

• By Francie Diep

Researchers are finding many genes unique to our species, but so far they reveal little about our most human traits.

• By Michael White

Genetically engineered babies raise a host of disturbing, science fiction-worthy ethical questions, but we have a more mundane and much more urgent issue to consider: safety.

• By Michael White

How does it feel to be the biological parent of your sister's child or the aunt of the children you birthed? Americans are finding out.

• By Rachel Rabkin Peachman