Genomic Research

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Facts about Human Genetics

The field of human genetics is vast, and encompasses many disciplines such as, population genetics, and developmental genetics. It's basically summed up as any aspect of research that looks at how we work at the molecular level.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 20, 2009 to
Genetics Articles
Nature vs Nurture of a Criminal Mind

A murderer with a ‘gene for aggression’ had his sentence cut short by a judge in Italy, even though the link between genes and bad behaviour is not well understood, least of all by the courts. It poses a tricky question; should genetics ever absolve criminals of blame for their actions?

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 20, 2009 to
Genetics Articles
Bed Bugs Bite Back

Bed bugs are big pests. It was assumed that their fire had gone out, and the threat diminished. But as their genomes have evolved, these blood sucking beasts are biting back... big time! Surprisingly, there have been relatively few genetic studies of them. However, all that is changing.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 19, 2009 to
Genetics Articles

What Makes a Spider's Web Sticky?

A web is an efficient means for a spider to catch its prey. The arachnid does not have to search too far for a meal as readymade dinners get trapped in the web's sticky stands. What helps to keep them there is an aqueous solution that is one of the most strongest biological glues on the planet.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 18, 2009 to
Genetics Articles
Searching for the Cause of Plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome is a condition in which the back or one side of a baby's head is flattened. Trying to find its cause has occupied the minds of many scientists for years and according to one large study in 2009 the environment is more important than genes.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 18, 2009 to
Genetics Articles
Success for ALD Genetic Therapy

Adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD is a rare sex-linked brain disease that primarily affects boys. It was the subject of the film Lorenzo's Oil which was about the search for an effective treatment for the condition. One possible treatment that's now showing potential is gene therapy.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 15, 2009 to
Genetics Articles

The Race for the $1000 Genome Project

Fast and cheap; that's the future of gene sequencing. Dozens of companies are in a race to be the first to be able to sequence a human genome in under a day for $1000. There's big money to be made as participants believe that if analysis was more affordable many of us would take advantage of it.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 14, 2009 to
Genetics Articles
History of Genetics: The First Genetically Engineered Organism

The honour of being the first ever genetically engineered organism goes to the humble bacterium E. coli. The modifications using recombinant DNA technology were made in 1973 by Herb Boyer and Stanley Cohen. Their work ushered in the new era of genetic engineering.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 12, 2009 to
Genetics Articles
History of Genetics: Genetic Engineering Timeline

Five major landmarks in genetic engineering history as scientists embarked on the direct control and manipulation of genes to produce specifically modified organisms.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 12, 2009 to
Genetics Articles
Genetics History: The Top Ten Moments

They give us everything, and without them we'd be nothing. Understanding how our genes work is giving us unprecedented powers to shape our own destinies. Our knowledge is increasing rapidly all the time. Human genetics, plant genetics and more, follow our history of genetics timeline.

Published by Paul Arnold (15271 pts) on Nov 11, 2009 to
Genetics Articles