What is Genetics?
Genetics is the study of the molecular buildings blocks of life and how
they contribute to inherited traits. The genes you inherit from your
parents determine obvious physical characteristics such as hair color and
height, but can also affect hidden traits such as a disposition to diseases
including heart
disease and cancer. By studying genetics, scientists
hope to unlock some of the mysteries of these conditions and ultimately
find new ways to treat and prevent them.
Illustration: The genetic code is stored in strands
of double helix–shaped DNA.
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Research NewsFeaturing Harvard Medical School and Affiliated Hospitals
Team identifies 21 new genetic risk factors for Crohn's disease
Relaxation response can influence stress-related genes
Cholesterol-associated gene variants can predict cardiovascular events
Researchers Identify Mutated
Genes Unique to Mesothelioma Tumors.
Data shows a declining incidence of
cystic fibrosis since introduction of prenatal carrier screening.
Gene Variants
Associated with Prostate Cancer Risk.
New Chromosome Abnormality Linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Genomic Screen nets hundreds
of proteins exploited by HIV.
Gene variation may elevate risk of liver tumor.
Advertising for genetic tests concerns physicians, may mislead
patients.
Connection found between caloric
restriction and longevity.
Study identifies pathway for reproductive
development.
Second phase of HapMap
Project is completed.
Genome study shines light on genetic
link to height.
New DNA-stitching
Mechanism important in immune system
Genetic
Regulator of Body Weight identified in Joslin study.
Genetic
Variations may predispose some men to suicidal thoughts.
Genome-wide
Search unearths surprising clues for diabetes and triglycerides.
Genetic
Risk Factors Identified for prostate cancer.
Global
Survey of the consequences of DNA variants in our genome.
Scientists
Map Key Landmarks in human genome.
Gene
Knockouts Reveal FoxOs' Vital Functions in cancer defense, health
of stem cells.
Study
Uncovers Mutation responsible for Noonan Syndrome.
Early-stage
control of HIV may depend on inherited factors.
Online
Questionnaire helps determine patients' probability of having mutations
linked to colon cancer.
New
Map of Human Genome Provides a basis for understanding
genetic variation and disease.
Big
Hips, Big Belly? It's in your genes.
Bone-Marrow-Derived
Stem Cells can reverse genetic kidney disease.
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Research Stories
Gene Variants increase risk for breast cancer.
Genome-wide Map Will Help Fight Diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Did Ancestral Humans, Chimps Interbreed? Findings cloud human, chimp
origins.
Protein Packages Found to Activate Genes May regulate development
and disease.
Chimp Genome Effort
shines light on human evolution.
Cheaper Way to Make Genes System can make experiments more affordable.
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Research Reports
From HMS Faculty Newsletter Focus
Autism Genes Tied to Glitches in Early Learning
Gene Tied to Rare Iron-deficiency Disorder
MicroRNA
Regulates Tumor Stem Cells
Zero
Discovered in Code Controlling Gene Expression.
Genetics Reaches Past DNA
and Its Molecular Packaging.
Genome-association Study Links DNA Variants to MS.
yields 13 prime risk genes.
Alzheimer’s Meta-Study
yields 13 prime risk genes.
Stable Across Time and Species Primeval DNA may be chromosome counter.
Gene
Referees Sex Differences in fruit fly fighting.
Common
Genetic Variant Dampens Pain One-quarter of people estimated to be carriers.
Five
Gene Variations
hike risk of macular degeneration.
Comparative Genomics
fine-tunes noisy data.
DNA Yields Details of Human–Chimp Split
Humans may be younger than believed.
Comparative Genomics
fine-tunes noisy data.
Step Taken Toward $1,000 Personal Genome
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