DNA and Genes
Latest about Genetics
![Group of five young people sat on a park bench smiling and talking with each other](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7vo8CUordPfvbKnzCSwCJ5-320-80.jpg)
More than 275 million never-before-seen gene variants uncovered in US population
By Emily Cooke published
The newly uncovered gene variants were identified as part of an analysis of the DNA of more than 400,000 people in the U.S. who agreed to participate in the All of Us Research Program.
![Virginijus Šikšnys (an older man with short brown hair and round glasses wearing a suit jacket) gestures toward a 3D model of DNA on a table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2AA5ifA89wDFjXDQXg5whX-320-80.jpg)
CRISPR 'will provide cures for genetic diseases that were incurable before,' says renowned biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Live Science spoke with biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys, whose work helped establish CRISPR as a gene-editing system.
![photo of towering stone features in peru called the Huayllay Stone Forest against a clear blue sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bgEEUotzNvn78MojuDyBvW-320-80.jpg)
Gene mutation helps Andean highlanders thrive at altitude, and 'living fossil' fish live deep underwater
By Jennifer Zieba published
Researchers discovered an example of convergent evolution in the Peruvian and Tibetan highlander communities.
![A photo of five people standing in a line: a male doctor in a white lab coat, a woman in professional clothing and a lanyard, a 11-year-old boy, the boy's father, and another woman in professional attire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FVWUnzTW5cr4ULqray59DV-320-80.jpg)
Gene therapies restore hearing in several kids with inherited deafness
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Two new gene therapies show promise in treating otoferlin-related deafness, an inherited condition.
![girl getting height measured at doctor's office](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dNMYRZaaX8x7A3PMJVXpmE-320-80.jpg)
What determines a person's height?
By Benjamin Plackett last updated
At birth, height can be predicted to within an inch or two.
![a Black middle-aged man wearing a surgical mask sits in an examination chair in front of an optometry device as a doctor examines his eyes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F9G6dNddhDX4QTtnYxHFBW-320-80.jpg)
Unique gene variants tied to glaucoma found in Black patients
By Nicoletta Lanese published
People of African ancestry have the highest rates of the most common form of glaucoma, so scientists are studying whether unique gene variants are tied to their risk.
![3d illustration of sickle-shape blood cells flowing through a blood vessel](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WCW3d3yc85PKJ6HYtmeLzB-320-80.jpg)
The world's 1st CRISPR therapy has been approved. Here's everything you need to know
By Emily Cooke last updated
Drug regulators have approved a CRISPR therapy called Casgevy to treat inherited blood disorders. But what is it and how does it work?
![Artist illustration of the findings of the new studies. An ancient pot is depicted in the foreground and covered in a series of drawings illustrating the lifestyles of ancient hunter-gatherers and farmers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iTjtsMj3zumK5pmYqCHbHk-320-80.png)
Europeans' ancient ancestors passed down genes tied to multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's risk
By Emily Cooke published
New research suggests that the risk of Europeans developing diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's stems from ancient human migrations.
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