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Genetics

Chronological Clues to Life’s Early History Lurk in Gene Transfers

To date the branches on the evolutionary tree of life, researchers are looking at horizontal gene transfers among ancient microorganisms, which once seemed only to muddle the record.

April 25, 2018

Social Inequality Leaves a Genetic Mark

When genetic structure follows social structure.

March 22, 2018

Heredity Beyond the Gene

What you pass on to your kids isn’t always in your genetic code.

It’s Time to Make Human-Chimp Hybrids

The humanzee is both scientifically possible and morally defensible.

March 5, 2018

Why Your Roses Smell Nice

Hint—it’s mostly coincidence.

February 12, 2018

Tissue Engineers Hack Life’s Code for 3-D Folded Shapes

Mechanical tension between tethered cells cues developing tissues to fold. Researchers can now program synthetic tissue to make coils, cubes and rippling plates.

January 25, 2018

You’re Descended from Royalty and So Is Everybody Else

Anybody you can name from ancient history is in your family tree.

January 2, 2018

New Model Warns About CRISPR Gene Drives in the Wild

Models show that evolving resistance won't stop aggressive standard gene drives from spreading.

November 16, 2017

Frankenstein in the Age of CRISPR-Cas9

Despite the awesome progress of science, we will never be free from the circular discussions of who we are.

October 19, 2017

Central Park Mice Don’t Get Out Much

The genetic stories of New York City rats and mice.

July 21, 2017