Genetics

The world manufactures over 5 million tons of nylon, which depends on fossil fuels. Duke researchers studying tumors stumbled on a way to produce nylon from sugar.

September 25, 2012 1:40pm | By Janet Fang

In multiple studies crossing many different diseases, those who are overweight have a significantly higher survival rate than normal-weight people suffering from the same illnesses.

14 | September 21, 2012 4:00am | By Christie Nicholson

Scientists have found a way to use transgenic maize to produce an expensive drug for a rare, life-threatening disease.

September 19, 2012 10:02pm | By Janet Fang

Scientists are beginning to come up with a way to help patients who need organ transplants: to create them a new organ using their own cells.

1 | September 18, 2012 3:00am | By Laura Shin

This could help restore senses and cell function to people with genetic disorders called ciliopathies, which cause extra digits, obesity, blindness, and loss of hearing or smell.

September 13, 2012 10:42pm | By Janet Fang

A breakthrough in our understanding of 99% of our DNA could lead to new drugs and broadens our understanding of the cause of diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis.

2 | September 12, 2012 3:00am | By Laura Shin

Disappointing clinical trial results are driving researchers and drug developers to rethink their approach. Should the focus be on drugs for people before the onset of symptoms?

September 9, 2012 8:43pm | By Janet Fang

As drought ravages much of U.S. farmland, Monsanto sees a 24% rise in stock shares with its drought-tolerant GM corn.

9 | September 5, 2012 6:58am | By Audrey Quinn

Insights about human origins derived from studies of our ancestors' DNA might also illuminate some of our current social woes.

15 | September 4, 2012 3:00am | By John Rennie

A team of researchers have used biological ingredients to build flexible muscle cells for advanced robots.

September 3, 2012 2:06am | By Charlie Osborne

Scientists have found a link between Internet addiction and a genetic mutation involved in nicotine addiction.

5 | September 1, 2012 9:54pm | By Amy Kraft

Scientists have developed a forensic test that can predict the eye and hair color of a possible suspect using trace DNA left at a crime scene.

September 1, 2012 12:46am | By Amy Kraft

Horses with this genetic mutation can move in more ways. Walk, trot, gallop, and pace! Could this help explain the genetics behind human neuromuscular disorders?

1 | August 29, 2012 10:15pm | By Janet Fang

Using a technique called optogenetics, Retrosense Therapeutics wants to restore vision in blind patients by giving light sensitivity to neurons that don't normally possess it.

August 28, 2012 3:28pm | By Janet Fang

Transgenic goats produce milk with the breast milk enzymes and proteins that human babies need most.

5 | August 28, 2012 5:36am | By Audrey Quinn

Researchers have developed an easier way to figure out our internal body time. This 'molecular timetable' could help doctors synchronize drug delivery to the internal clock, for better efficacy.

3 | August 27, 2012 10:06pm | By Janet Fang

Scientists coded an entire book into DNA, giving a glimpse of a future in which a thumb-sized device could store as much information as the entire internet.

1 | August 20, 2012 3:01am | By Laura Shin

"The Morning Briefing" as SmartPlanet's daily roundup of must-reads from the web. This morning we're reading about interesting uses for DNA.

August 19, 2012 11:59pm | By Charlie Osborne

The quest for a "male pill" has trudged on for years with little success, but a recent breakthrough might give men a new form of protection.

4 | August 17, 2012 3:00am | By Rose Eveleth

Scientists may have uncovered the cause of a deadly snake disease, along with its surprising link to the viruses that cause Ebola and hemorrhagic fever in people.

August 16, 2012 12:22am | By Janet Fang