Genetics
DNA

All traits and personality characteristics, from height to fear of heights, are driven by a complex interplay of genes and environmental feedback. We now know that the lion-share of human genes are expressed in the brain and that almost all normal and disordered behaviors are polygenic, meaning that they are influenced (not to say caused) by multiple genes. Scientists are therefore tasked with a massive but increasingly plausible mission: mapping the pathway from genes and mediating forces to the person you see in the mirror (known in biological parlance as the phenotype).

The Latest on Genetics

Do you want a gifted or hard-working child? by Jim Taylor, Ph.D.

Can employers check your DNA? Not any more. by Pete Shanks

Chimps can't talk. Humans can. Genes make the difference. by Faith Brynie

Lazy Gene theory: Love, addiction, co-dependence, self-confidence reconsidered. by Jeremy Sherman, Ph.D.

Smaller cities, fewer people, and bigger nature. by Peter H. Kahn, Jr., Ph.D.

Two outstanding books reveal the Chimps-R-Us nonsense by Christopher Badcock, Ph.D.

The surrogacy business in India is booming. by Marcy Darnovsky, Ph.D.

My outlook was not an uncomplicated, rosy view of twinship by Abigail Pogrebin

Blaming diabetes on neighborhoods polarizes people. by Peter Ubel

Self is found within the convivium by T. Byram Karasu, M.D.

Genetics Blogs

Genetic Crossroads
The intersection of biotechnology, reproduction and society
By The Center for Genetics and Society
The Imprinted Brain
How genes set the balance between autism and psychosis.
By Christopher Badcock Ph.D.