Biotech

Synthetic biologists are close to putting living cells to work diagnosing human diseases and repairing environmental damage

Scientists are on the threshold of crossing a sharp ethical line: permanently altering the human genetic code

Mitochondrial disease can somehow creep back in, even if a mother’s mitochondria are virtually eliminated in an attempt to block inherited illnesses

Next generation of Trojan-horse drugs designed to minimize damage to healthy cells

DARPA researchers are developing responses for accidental or malicious “genetic spills”

Experts call the technology a “significant achievement,” but critics say the risks may not be justified

Researchers worry about misinforming people about the risk of disease

Voters sent some strong signals on marijuana use and assisted suicide

Devices that autonomously regulate blood sugar levels are in the final stages before widespread availability

Patent data show that companies have very different strategies for invention

The approach is popular for treating achy joints and muscles, but hard evidence is lacking