Book Review: Transhumanist Dreams and Dystopian Nightmares

Perhaps fortuitously, I started to read Maxwell Mehlman's book at the same time as Roy Porter's 'A short history of madness'. It was then difficult not to muse on what Jonathan Swift might have made of 'transhumanising scientists'... [Read More]

Privacy risk: researchers identify 'anonymous' DNA donors

A US team of researchers has shown it is possible to link whole genome sequence data to a specific person, using only publicly available information.... [Read More]

Leadership influenced by genetics, claim scientists

Some really are born leaders; according to a new study, the likelihood of occupying a leadership role is affected by your genes... [Read More]

Human genetic variation mapped from 1,000 genomes

Over 1,000 people from 14 countries have had their genomes mapped by scientists. The researchers say their study will help them examine genetic variations at the scale of national populations and further identification of the rare genetic variations related to many diseases... [Read More]

Genes linked to cholesterol levels identified

Twenty-one genes linked with cholesterol and other fat levels in the blood have been identified by a consortium of over 180 researchers worldwide.... [Read More]

Phenome-nal! Science PR goes for gold

I'll brook no cynicism, the Olympics was the finest example of what makes Britain great. Which is to say: marketing, PR and all-around hype... [Read More]

Theatre Review: Frankenstein

With the term 'Frankenstein' having become synonymous with 'mad scientists' who 'play God', and its status as the go-to criticism against any new technology that threatens to interfere with what is deemed 'natural', Shelley's story is as relevant today as ever it was. Indeed, what was once considered so morally abhorrent that it formed the fabric of horror has, with recombinant DNA, IVF, organ donation and embryonic stem cells to name but a few, been realised today several times over... [Read More]

Olympic anti-doping lab will become medical and genetic research centre

The anti-doping laboratories built for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be developed into the world's first Phenome Research Centre; the term 'phenome' referring to the overall expression of a person's characteristics and traits as determined by the interaction of genetics and environment... [Read More]

Event Review: Twins - Identically Different

Epigenetics. What on earth is that? You're probably aware of the genetics vs environment debate can still divide people to this day, but epigenetics is something that we haven't quite got around to talking much about in the public sphere.... [Read More]

Controversial publication of bird flu studies reveal virus' potential

Controversial research showing how the H5N1 'bird flu' virus can be altered to make it transmissible between mammals through the air has been published, nine months after it was first presented at a conference.... [Read More]

Genetic test to assess 'racial purity' of Hungarian MP condemned

Hungary's Medical Research Council has begun investigations into a company that provided a politician with a certificate characterising his 'racial purity'... [Read More]

Ageing genes identified in twin study

Chemical alterations in a group of genes affect how we age, scientists have discovered. These changes switch genes on or off in response to diet or environmental factors throughout our lives. Researchers found that four genes that are epigentically switched off in later life may have a bearing on how well we age... [Read More]

A private sperm donor writes...

A shortfall in donated sperm, we are told, has pushed potential recipients onto websites where private sperm donors hawk their reproductive wares. If only the officially sanctioned sperm banks were well stocked, the thinking goes, women would not have to venture into that murky world. But is that correct? What if sperm donation outside the official channels actually carried certain advantages over the clinic system... [Read More]

Gene therapy to treat HIV shows promise

The success of a new gene therapy trial represents a significant step towards a 'functional cure' for HIV, US researchers announced this week. By mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring gene mutation that makes an individual resistant to infection, this therapy aims to reduce or eliminate the dependency of HIV patients on antiretroviral drugs.... [Read More]

Book Review: Genetic Twists of Fate

News reports that researchers have linked a certain gene to a disease, condition or trait appear almost daily. The most recent include multiple sclerosis, ovarian cancer, schizophrenia and even intelligence... [Read More]

Thinking of cheating? Don't blame it on your genes just yet

Female cheating may be a byproduct of genetic variants that promote cheating in males, according to a new study on zebra finches. Paired-up male finches who tried cheating with other females had the same genetic variants as female finches who were more prone to cheating.... [Read More]

Whole-genome sequencing may improve cancer diagnosis

Two US studies have demonstrated how whole-genome screening can help improve cancer treatment and diagnosis. The researchers claim to have taken a major step towards using this type of screening to help predict patients' responses to different treatments based on their genetics... [Read More]

Obesity genetics goes 'pear-shaped'

Scientists from the GIANT (Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits) consortium have identified new genetic markers linked to body shape and obesity... [Read More]

£20 million study comparing the epigenetics of twins launched

Scientists from the UK and China are collaborating to study epigenetic signatures that mark the differences between 5,000 twins. Those affected by diabetics and osteoporosis are just some of the people who could be set to benefit from the £20 million 'Epitwin' project.... [Read More]

Studies find gene variants linked to blood cholesterol levels

Two new studies published in Nature have found... [Read More]