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Genetics
A cure may be on the horizon.
A new study provides the first proof-of-principle that genetic material transferred from one species to another can increase both longevity and healthspan in the recipient animal.
This biochemist is determined to create a new life form by reversing the shape of molecules.
Every astrobiologist wants to find an alien. But the public should be skeptical when the "aliens" look like tiny humans.
The potential benefits of returning the thylacine to Australia make the project worth the effort.
Carnivorous plants fascinate as much now as when their gruesome diet was first discovered.
AI is helping us replace petrochemicals with natural enzymes.
In polarized times, our shared cellular origin can unite us in solidarity and awe — from the embryonic scale to the grandest cosmic perspective.
From the laying out of the body plan to the organization and functioning of our nervous system, cells rule gene expression and make us who and what we are.
As cells divide, they must copy all of their chromosomes once and only once, or chaos would ensue. How do they do it? Key controls happen well before replication even starts.
Don't feel compelled to start a napping routine just yet.
![a photo of a [dog breed] on a pink background.](https://redesign.bigthink.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/dog2.jpg?w=512&h=512&crop=1)
A dog's breed isn't as predictive of behavior as many think it is. Environment and upbringing play a much larger role.
Genetic profiles of many dog breeds appear as if siblings mated.
"Domesticated viral genes" may not be domesticated as scientists thought.
From gene expression to protein design, large language models are creating a suite of powerful genomic tools.
7mins
Nobel Prize-winning scientist Paul Nurse defines the 5 core principles of life.
Left-handed humans were likelier to get stabbed in the heart.
5mins
This network scientist is creating a map of the human genome, and it could revolutionize the future of healthcare.
By studying the oldest animals, researchers hope to pinpoint factors affecting human longevity.
Biological age is a better health indicator than the number of years you’ve lived, but it’s tricky to measure.
5mins
We are ~99% genetically identical to chimpanzees. But there are three key traits that separate us.
Baby mice can regenerate damaged hair cells — and now that we know how they do it, maybe we can, too.
Two populations that are geographically separated today once mated a very long time ago.
New blood types are regularly discovered by an unusual absence or an unusual presence — both of which can result in tragedy.
From synthetic biology to xenotransplantation, biotech will continue to march forward in 2023, in part powered by data and AI.
Only recently have scientists directly witnessed this most pivotal of events in biology.
Virtually all the statistical methods researchers commonly use assume potential mating partners decide who they will have children with based on a roll of the dice.
The genes responsible for facial features may also influence behavior.
The dating pool is small — no pun intended.
A new study concludes that eating more carbohydrates reduces a person's risk of major depressive disorder.