Over the years, various scientists have suggested that the role of genetics in the risk of having an immune disease could be missed during research. These scientists and their collaborators have discovered that the contribution of genetic variations in disease risk lies not only in genes but in the molecular “switches” that control these genes… Read More »
Craving Sugar? Maybe It’s In Your Genes
The gene FGF21 provides the instructions for creating a hormone of the same name; it is linked with food regulation in rodents and nonhuman primates. This new insight suggests FGF21 might actually moderate some appetites in humans as well. Interestingly, the work also suggests that the liver, which secretes the FGF21 hormone and controls insulin… Read More »
How do Genes Affect Child Development?
Nature vs. nurture has been an eternal debate between genetic predisposition to behaviors versus how parents, communities, or other key individuals shape a child’s upbringing. Genes don’t just play a role in determining appearance and behavior. They can also affect a child’s development.
Bogota Twins Switched at Birth
Many mothers say the best day of their life is when their child was born. Mothers of twins get double doses of great memories. Those memories can quickly turn into terror when mistakes are made and children are sent home with the wrong parents. Sometimes the error isn’t realized until years later like in the… Read More »
Can a Baby Have a Different Eye Color Than Both of His or Her Parents?
Even though most individuals are taught rudimentary genetics in high school biology class, when it comes time for the real-world application of these lessons in real life, it can be tough to recall the fundamentals of genetics. For instance, one inquiry we field sometimes when most people consult us about paternity DNA testing? “Is it… Read More »