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Closing the Gaps in the Human Genome: Why Y Was the Final Hurdle
Closing the Gaps in the Human Genome: Why Y Was the Final Hurdle
For two decades, scientists struggled to fully sequence the Y chromosome. Finally, researchers have mapped its full length thanks to recent advances in sequencing technology.
For two decades, scientists struggled to fully sequence the Y chromosome. Finally, researchers have mapped its full length thanks to recent advances in sequencing technology.
human genome
Ancient Viral DNA Plays a Role in Human Disease and Development
Aidan Burn, The Conversation | Oct 19, 2022 | 4 min read
Viral remnants make up 8 percent of the human genome, and a new study finds that these sequences are still active in healthy people.
Mitochondrial DNA Sneaks into Nuclear Genome
Holly Barker, PhD | Oct 17, 2022 | 3 min read
Genetic material pilfered from mitochondria may seal cracks in our genetic code, a study suggests.
The Scientist Speaks - Filling in the Gaps: Sequencing the Entire Human Genome
Iris Kulbatski, PhD | 1 min read
Karen Miga discusses how she and collaborators sequenced the missing parts of the human genome almost two decades after the first Human Genome Project published its results.
Pioneering Geneticist C. Thomas Caskey Dies at 83
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Jan 28, 2022 | 3 min read
Caskey’s contributions to the field were instrumental to modern genetics.
Nearly Complete Human Genome Sequenced
Jef Akst | Jun 8, 2021 | 2 min read
In a preprint, researchers fill in some of the holes left in the first draft of the human genetic code, published at the turn of the century.
African American Genomes Yield Insight into Slavery Practices
Amanda Heidt | Jul 23, 2020 | 5 min read
A massive study finds that regional differences in how slaves were treated throughout the Americas are reflected in the DNA of present-day Americans of African descent.
Africans Have More Neanderthal DNA than Previously Thought
Jef Akst | Jan 30, 2020 | 4 min read
A new analysis of more than 2,500 human genomes indicates that modern Eurasians who acquired Neanderthal DNA during past interbreeding migrated back to Africa and spread those sequences.
Human Mutation Rates Steady Across Groups—Except in the Amish
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 29, 2020 | 3 min read
Researchers determined that the incidence of new genetic mutations is comparable in people of different ancestries, but lower in Amish people.
Ancient Human DNA Provides New Look at African History
Jef Akst | Jan 22, 2020 | 2 min read
Genomic information from four children who lived thousands of years ago in what is now Cameroon could shed light on the spread of the Bantu languages and on the history of present-day African populations.
Sequences of African Genomes Highlights Long-Overlooked Diversity
Jef Akst | Oct 18, 2019 | 2 min read
An analysis of more than 400 human genomes from residents of 13 African countries presented at this week’s annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics greatly expands our species’ cataloged genetic diversity.
Fathers Can Pass Mitochondrial DNA to Children
Anna Azvolinsky | Dec 4, 2018 | 4 min read
Researchers identify unique cases in which people inherited mitochondrial DNA not just from their mother but also from their father.
Rotem Sorek Searches for Bacteria’s Defenses Against Viruses
Sukanya Charuchandra | Oct 1, 2018 | 3 min read
Using his expertise in microbiology and bioinformatics, he is bringing a new understanding to microbial immune systems.
New Database Expands Number of Estimated Human Protein-Coding Genes
Diana Kwon | Jun 19, 2018 | 2 min read
Some scientists are not yet convinced that the list is accurate.
A Systematic Approach to Finding Unannotated Proteins
Katarina Zimmer | Mar 1, 2018 | 2 min read
A study suggests that there is more to the eukaryotic genome than was previously suspected.
Most of Human Genome Nonfunctional: Study
Kerry Grens | Jul 17, 2017 | 2 min read
An estimate derived from fertility rates concludes that at least 75 percent of our DNA has no critical utility.
Life After Sequencing
Eva Amsen | Feb 1, 2016 | 4 min read
Fifteen years after publication of the human genome’s first draft sequence, what has become of the hundreds of researchers who worked on the project?
Chromatin Conformation Computed
Anna Azvolinsky | Oct 19, 2015 | 4 min read
By manipulating DNA sequences that guide genome-folding, researchers confirm an existing model of chromatin structure inside the nucleus.
The First Americans
Bob Grant | Jul 23, 2015 | 3 min read
Two genetic studies seeking to determine how people first migrated to North and South America yield different results.
Viral Protector
Jef Akst | Apr 21, 2015 | 1 min read
A retrovirus embedded in the human genome may help protect embryos from other viruses, and influence fetal development.