Tag: Genetics
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Scientists declare gene-editing war on pests
Should all pests be wiped out? New Zealand’s government plans to kill all rats and invasive predators by 2050. Some want to use genetic modification, but others warn of ecological disaster.
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UK at war over Brussels. (Sprouts, that is)
Is this utterly trivial or deeply important? Our most hated vegetable will take a starring role in millions of Christmas dinners. No wonder the nation is obsessed with such a vital topic.
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How to find out your entire genetic make-up
Should everyone get their genome sequenced? A new, handheld device could allow people to analyse their DNA from “the comfort of their own home”. But they might not like what they find…
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How Frankenstein could save the modern world
What can Frankenstein teach modern scientists? For 200 years, the tale has gripped readers. As humans gain greater powers to control life, many...
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‘Dream’ of precision medicine getting closer
The UK’s chief medical officer has called on doctors to deliver her “genetics dream”: personalised medicine which is available for everyone. What does this mean? And is it a good idea?
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Gene scientists in secret talks on replicants
Last week, 150 top genetic scientists and entrepreneurs met in secret to discuss the possibility of synthesising a human genome from scratch. The potential consequences are mind-boggling.
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The genetic accident behind all life on Earth
A new scientific study has found that 600 million years ago, a single cell mutated and Earth was changed forever. A dazzling range of complicated animals would follow. Could it happen again?
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Science in 2015: Rethinking the universe
A cure for disease and hunger. Water on Mars. A new human ancestor. This year, scientists have witnessed amazing breakthroughs. Which will be the ones to reshape humanity’s story?
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Mammoths one step closer to resurrection
Advances in genetic science have allowed researchers to create living mammoth genes for the first time. Is so-called ‘de-extinction’ a legitimate goal for scientists to pursue?
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Fear and celebration at first ‘edited’ embryo
Chinese scientists have changed the genes of human embryos for the first time. Using the technique could lead to major advances in combating disease — but can it overcome ethical objections?
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Britons are still Angles, Saxons and Celts
A genetic study has found that British people still live in the same tribal kingdoms they did 1400 years ago. Is Britain merely a mixture of distinct regions, or is it one complete country?
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Richard III's skeleton throws up DNA surprise
The bones found under a Leicester car park two years ago are definitely those of the last Plantagenet king, Richard III. But his DNA has cast doubt over the royal bloodline. Does that matter?
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Angelina reveals dramatic cancer dilemma
Film star Angelina Jolie opted for radical surgery to prevent breast cancer, which an inherited genetic defect makes more likely. Her frankness has been hailed by health campaigners.
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Scientists on brink of reviving extinct animals
Researchers have claimed they are on the brink of resurrecting a lost species of frog. Dodos and sabre-toothed tigers could soon follow. But is it wise to meddle with life and evolution?
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Trillions of alien cells found hiding in human body
Scientists have compiled a list of every microbe found in a healthy human body. The conclusion: there are trillions of them. And we need our parasites as much as they need us.