Gene sequencing technology has just been put to novel use; to detect the types and numbers of bacteria on human hands. The results show that women harbour far more bugs than men.
Junk DNA, that vast genetic wasteland of seemingly useless biological rubbish may not be such a waste of space after all. New research suggests that it has some function, and the purpose of junk DNA may have helped distinguish humans from other species.
Both epidemiological and genetic studies have shown the links between genetics and alcoholism. Now, researchers focus on identifying the genes that may cause alcohol addiction.
Two groups of scientists report the rapid sequencing of the entire genomes of two individuals, at a relatively low cost. The research is a further step towards the day when individuals might be able to have their own genomes sequenced and it offers hope for the fight against disease.
For the first time in history the complete genome of a cancer patient has been completely sequenced to establish the genetic mutations that had caused the disease. It’s a massive breakthrough in cancer research.
It was Crick and Watson who worked out the structure of DNA in the 1950s, but its discovery was made nearly 100 years previously by a Swiss physician called Frederick Miescher.
Dimples is the word given to any natural indentation or dent on the body, but usually refers to the face. They are most commonly visible when someone smiles. They are a genetic trait following an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.
The Tasmanian devil is teetering on the brink of extinction. Its genetic diversity has been greatly diminished making it much easier for disease to take a hold. Conservationists are doing all they can stop the species from going the way of the dinosaurs.
In another milestone for cloning technology, Japanese researchers have managed to clone mice using cells that had been frozen 16 years ago. It could pave the way for extinct species to be brought back to life.
