New Atlas

Science Audio available

Massive Harvard-led genetic twin study homes in on the nature versus nurture debate

Rich Haridy January 14, 2019

A massive new study is uncovering the effects of genes and environment in over 500 different conditions. Targeting over 50,000 twin pairs, the research is the first of its kind to use large-scale data analysis to evaluate the heritability of such a broad range of conditions.

Extensive research has concluded approximately 40 percent of the studied conditions were primarily heritable

Space Audio available

Genomic study shows how space travel influences the evolution of bacteria

Michael Irving January 8, 2019

It almost goes without saying that space is a pretty harsh environment. Now researchers have examined what effects that environment might have on bacteria, and found that the bugs are mutating in response – but that probably isn’t cause for concern.

Researchers have examined how the harsh environment of space may influence genetic mutations in bacteria

Science Audio available

Reawakening chili genes could serve up spicy tomatoes

Rich Haridy January 7, 2019

A new opinion article has outlined how tomatoes could be genetically engineered to produce capsaicinoids, the spicy compound found in chilies. The scientists suggest the innovation would be geared towards an efficient and easier way to mass produce capsaicinoids for commercial purposes.

Tomatoes could hypothetically be gene-edited to produce the same spicy compounds found in hot chili peppers

Medical Audio available

Pediatric leukemia ‘super drug’ could be less than a decade away

Rich Haridy December 23, 2018

Building on several years of research into a protein responsible for leukemia, a newly published paper has revealed success in slowing the progression of the deadly cancer in mouse models.

Two new experimental pediatric leukemia treatments are to be turned into one single drug, with human ...

Medical

From gene-edited babies to male contraceptives: The most exciting medical innovations in 2018

Rich Haridy December 20, 2018

Alongside new discoveries in gut-brain communication and the genesis of Alzheimer’s disease, the FDA advanced acceptance of psychedelic medicines, from psilocybin to marijuana. But looming over all of these milestones was the controversial alleged birth of the world’s first gene-edited baby.

The birth of the world's first CRISPR gene-edited baby cements 2018 as a major year in ...

Medical Audio available

How marijuana can harm teenage brains, and what may be done to prevent the damage

Rich Haridy December 19, 2018

In a compelling new study researchers have established a fascinating hypothesis attempting to explain how marijuana use in some teenagers can result in cognitive impairment in adulthood. The research also suggests anti-inflammatory therapies may be able to prevent the marijuana-induced brain damage.

It was discovered in mouse experiments that anti-inflammatory drugs could protect against any potential cognitive damage ...

Medical Audio available

Leukemia treatment unexpectedly discovered in eye drops developed for retinal disease

Rich Haridy December 19, 2018

New research has found a promising leukemia treatment in an eye drop already being developed to battle retinal neovascular disease. The research revealed the eye-drops, still in a pre-clinical stage of development, target the same gene that inhibits the progression of this aggressive blood cancer.

Researchers have found that eye drops being developed to treat retinal neovascular disease could be used ...

Biology Audio available

Pigs genetically-engineered to resist deadly swine virus

Michael Irving December 16, 2018

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a highly infectious and deadly disease among pigs, with outbreaks leading to huge livestock losses. Now, researchers from Jilin University in China have genetically modified pigs to be resistant to the virus, which will also pass that down to their offspring.

Chinese researchers have genetically engineered pigs to be resistant to a widespread and deadly virus

Biology Audio available

Genetic study finds biological sex is more complicated than just chromosomes

Michael Irving December 16, 2018

It’s generally understood that an embryo with two X chromosomes will develop as female, while an XY combo will be male. But this simple rule may be too simple. A new genetics study out of Australia has identified extra pieces of the puzzle that could explain some disorders of sex development (DSD).

Researchers have found extra pieces of the puzzle that determine biological sex in embryos

Medical Audio available

Acne treatment hopes raised after genetic study reveals hair ties

Rich Haridy December 16, 2018

In a study investigating the genetic origins of acne, researchers have homed in on several genetic regions associated with the condition. Fascinatingly, many of these genetic regions are also associated with hair follicle function, highlighting a potential target mechanism for new acne treatments.

A new study suggests genes that influence acne also play a role in hair follicle formation