genetic science library

 

Genetics is the study of cellular science. It furthers our understanding of how DNA and the genetic make-up of species and can lead to cures for diseases and shape our future.

Featured Article:  Why are British scientists creating a human-pig hybrid?

Pig people sound like the stuff of a B-grade horror flick, but they're more real than you think. What do scientists hope to learn from these embryonic chimeras? See more »

5 Most Cloned Animals

5 Most Cloned Animals

Sure you know about Dolly, but what about Snuppy and CC? They're not all magazine cover models, but they are notable clones. What are the five go-to species that scientists clone?

See more »
Are redheads going extinct?

Are redheads going extinct?

Some news organizations have reported that redheads will disappear by the year 2060. But this fiery breed isn't taking the news lying down, and there are rumors that blonds are on the way out, too.

See more »
Are we 10 years away from artificial life?

Are we 10 years away from artificial life?

Some researchers on the quest for artificial life say they're only 10 years away from their goal. But could these artificial life forms turn into a science fiction nightmare?

See more »
Can a sewing machine stitch together DNA?

Can a sewing machine stitch together DNA?

You might think of a sewing machine as that dusty thing that your mom would pull out to help you make a homemade Halloween costume. That's not quite the same device that has scientists so excited.

See more »
Can genetically modified mosquitoes wipe out malaria?

Can genetically modified mosquitoes wipe out malaria?

In theory, if you could create a stronger mosquito that's unable to spread malaria and release them into the wild, they would replace the mosquitoes that can spread the disease. But until recently, there has been a major glitch in this concept.

See more »
Can you steal a few hairs from a racehorse and clone your own?

Can you steal a few hairs from a racehorse and clone your own?

Stud fees for premier racehorses can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. Could you make millions by producing a champion's exact genetic double?

See more »
Could gene therapy cure baldness?

Could gene therapy cure baldness?

Hair loss affects millions of Americans -- men, women and even children. That's why a recent gene therapy study from a research group at the University of Pennsylvania has many people excited.

See more »
Could we clone our organs to be used in a transplant?

Could we clone our organs to be used in a transplant?

Ever hear that urban legend about waking up without your kidney? Would organ thieves have to find a new line of work if cloned organs became a reality?

See more »
How can you tell if athletes alter their genes?

How can you tell if athletes alter their genes?

Many athletes and even some of us ordinary folks long to be faster, stronger, more muscled. Would you be willing to permanently edit your genes to achieve that result? How would anyone ever know?

See more »
How Charles Darwin Worked

How Charles Darwin Worked

Two hundred years ago today the person responsible for changing science and Western civilization was born. Happy Birthday to the English gent and champion of evolution and natural selection.

See more »
How Cloning Works

How Cloning Works

Cloning is the process of making a genetically identical organism through nonsexual means. In this article, we will examine how cloning works and look at possible uses of this technology.

See more »
How Cryonics Works

How Cryonics Works

Dozens of people are frozen in cryogenic storage facilities, waiting to be revived when science is able to cure whatever killed them. But if they're dead, is revival from a frozen state even possible? Find out.

See more »
How Designer Children Will Work

How Designer Children Will Work

As scientists work to unravel the human genetic code, new possibilities for human creation are becoming possible. Find out how close scientists are to decoding our DNA and what this may mean for the future of human reproduction.

See more »
How DNA Evidence Works

How DNA Evidence Works

The CBS drama "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" routinely uses cutting-edge technology to solve crimes, including collecting and analyzing DNA evidence. But catching a criminal using DNA evidence is not quite as easy as "CSI" makes it seem.

See more »
How Epigenetics Works

How Epigenetics Works

The field of epigenetics investigates how environment, nutrition and social conditions affect gene expression. Does that mean DNA isn't destiny?

See more »
How Gene Banks Work

How Gene Banks Work

Much like Noah, researchers are stockpiling the genes of Earth's living creatures, loading them into state-of-the art facilities and freezing them. Are scientists saving them for a rainy day?

See more »
How Gene Doping Works

How Gene Doping Works

Who hasn't fantasized about bigger biceps? Killer abs? A rear end you could bounce a quarter off? But would you tamper with your genes to achieve that buff body?

See more »
How Gene Pools Work

How Gene Pools Work

The physical you is a result of your DNA, and your DNA is part of the human gene pool. Find out what the "gene pool" really is and what happens when it shrinks.

See more »
How Human Cloning Will Work

How Human Cloning Will Work

With movie titles like "Attack of the Clones" and "The Clone Wars," it's no wonder human cloning makes us anxious. As scientists make startling discoveries cloning animals, are humans next?

See more »
How Telomeres Work

How Telomeres Work

As you read this, your telomeres may be growing shorter, signaling your imminent demise. Could these chromosome caps hold the key to long life without causing cancer?

See more »