Genes

Health & Medicine

Silencing disease-causing genes

DNA is tightly packed in our cells but new research shows how it unravels to switch genes on and off, potentially helping us understand how to silence a disease-causing gene

Health & Medicine

The moral status of human-monkey chimeras

As scientists create human-monkey chimera embryos for the first time, the research raises the philosophical and ethical issue of moral status: how should we treat other life forms?

Health & Medicine

What it takes to make a heartbeat

By studying the zebrafish, researchers have discovered how a gene involved in cardiac rhythm works – helping to explain how a heartbeat develops

Health & Medicine

Exposing the Achilles’ Heel of a major cancer gene

Recent genetic research has identified a surprising vulnerability of lymphoma cells that may lead to a new approach for cancer treatment

Health & Medicine

The genomic jigsaw of cancer

Mapping the human genome is revolutionising medicine. The aim? To turn cancer into a manageable, chronic disease like diabetes

Health & Medicine

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Podcast

The genomic clues to disease

Genomics has moved out of research and into patient care, finding and identifying gene changes that can help with the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases

Health & Medicine

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Podcast

Reversing irreversible blindness

Using innovative and creative approaches to prevent vision loss, Professor Keith Martin hopes restore sight and reduce the burden of blinding eye disease around the world

Health & Medicine

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Under the Microscope

Discoveries that blew our minds in 2018: Part One

Our experts tell us about their pick of the best research, discoveries and big thinking from around the world in 2018

Health & Medicine

Gene-edited babies: What does the law allow in Australia?

Recent claims that Chinese twins have been born with intentionally modified genomes mean the legislation governing this controversial issue needs careful examination

Health & Medicine

Stumbling into the brave new world of gene editing

The alleged creation of the world’s first gene-edited babies in China raises serious questions about the ethics and transparency of CRISPR technology