Genetics

7 articles

Abstract visualization of DNA strands and virus particles, symbolizing the evolutionary genetic links to COVID-19 severity discovered in Italian patients.
Life & Biology

Evolutionary History Reveals Genetic Links to COVID-19 Severity

Two rare genetic changes in the TLR2 gene, identified in Italian COVID-19 patients, were directly linked to more severe forms of the disease.

Marcus Cole·August 4, 2026
Abstract visualization of intertwined DNA strands connecting human, sea anemone, and amoeba, symbolizing a universal gene activation language across life.
Life & Biology

Scientists Discover Universal Gene Activation Language

The instructions for activating genes are essentially the same in humans, sea anemones, and soil amoebas.

Marcus Cole·August 3, 2026
A small, colorful manakin bird with bright plumage perched on a berry-laden branch, showcasing its specialized fruit-eating adaptation.
Life & Biology

Manakins evolved to eat fruit by repurposing umami receptors

A single male manakin can consume its entire body weight in berries in only 1.5 hours.

David Grossman·July 21, 2026
A detailed, cinematic illustration of the human microbiome, showcasing a diverse array of colorful microorganisms in a glowing, bustling internal environment.
Explainers

What Is the Human Microbiome and How Does It Influence Health?

The human gut alone harbors over 100 trillion microorganisms, encoding more than 3 million genes — a genetic library vastly larger than our own human genome.

Marcus Cole·July 14, 2026
The tree of life interwoven with DNA strands and fossil records, symbolizing the evolution of evolutionary theory and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis.
Life & Biology

What is the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis?

In 2014, a prominent article in Nature directly posed the question: 'Does evolutionary theory need a rethink?

David Grossman·July 10, 2026
Close-up cinematic view of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex precisely editing a DNA double helix, symbolizing advancements in genetic modification and disease treatment.
Explainers

What are CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing applications and how do they work?

At the molecular level, the Cas9 protein initiates a double-strand break at a locus just 3-nucleotides upstream of a specific PAM sequence, demonstrating an almost surgical precision in genetic modifi

Marcus Cole·June 5, 2026
Abstract visualization of glowing mobile DNA strands intricately connecting and forming the complex neural network of a human brain.
Life & Biology

Mobile DNA's role in brain development revealed: 20,000+ sites identified

Scientists have just mapped over 20,000 previously hidden DNA binding sites in the developing human brain, revealing that 'junk DNA' actively orchestrates neuron formation.

Marcus Cole·May 12, 2026