C-Section Babies Are Missing Key Microbes
A U.K. study provides the best evidence yet that the way infants are born can alter their microbiome—but the health effects are unclear
Stories by Ewen Callaway
Immune-Cell Pioneers Win Prestigious Lasker Medical Award
The prizes honored the discoverers of B and T cells, the inventors of a breast cancer treatment, and a vaccination NGO
Gene Editing Transforms Gel into Shape-Shifting Smart Material
The CRISPR technique can trigger the new material to release drugs or pick up biological signals
Controversial CRISPR “Gene Drives” Tested in Mammals for the First Time
Experiments in mice suggest the technology has a long way to go before being used for pest control in the wild
Geneticists Unravel Secrets of Super-Invasive Crayfish
DNA analysis suggests the self-cloning species is a genetic hybrid that emerged in an aquarium in the 1990s
Synthetic Species Designed to Shun Sex with Wild Organisms
Engineered organisms that cannot breed with wild counterparts could prevent transgenic plants from spreading genes
Rhino Poachers Prosecuted Using DNA Database
Genetic information about African rhinos is leading to stiffer convictions
“Alien” DNA Makes Proteins in Living Cells for The First Time
Expanded genetic alphabet could allow for the production of new protein-based drugs
Improved Diagnostics Fail to Halt the Rise of Tuberculosis
TB remains a big killer despite the development of a better test for detecting the disease
Doubts Raised about Gene-Editing Study in Human Embryos
Alternative explanations challenge whether CRISPR–Cas9 technique actually fixed a genetic mutation as claimed
Skeleton Plundered from Mexican Cave Was One of the Americas' Oldest
Rock-encased bone shard left behind by thieves allowed researchers to determine that the remains are probably more than 13,000 years old
Stop Hoarding Ancient Bones, Plead Archaeologists
Scientists call for wider access to rare samples rich in DNA
U.S. Defense Agencies Grapple with Gene Drives
The technology can quickly spread genetic modifications
Bronze-Age “Beaker Culture” Invaded Britain, Ancient-Genome Study Finds
Famous bell-shaped pots are associated with a group of immigrants who may have displaced Neolithic farmers
Youthful Poo Makes Aged Fish Live Longer
The gut microbes of young killifish can extend lifespans
South Africa’s San People Issue Ethics Code to Scientists
The indigenous people—among the most studied in the world—are first in Africa to draft research guidelines
Neandertal Tooth Plaque Hints at Meals—and Kisses
Analysis paints picture of diets, medicine and possible intimacy with humans
Collapse of Aztec Society Linked to Catastrophic Salmonella Outbreak
DNA of 500-year-old bacteria is first direct evidence of an epidemic — one of humanity's deadliest — that occurred after Spanish conquest.
How Plants Evolved into Carnivores
Distantly-related plants acquired their ability to eat meat through similar genetic changes
Gene Drives Thwarted by Emergence of Resistant Organisms
Until this obstacle is overcome, the technology is unlikely to succeed in the wild
