Genes & DNA
- Genetics DefinedGenetics is the concept that a person’s appearances are determined by genes. Learn about genetics theory, facts and information.
- Genes DefinedGenes are short pieces of DNA that instruct the body how to create specific proteins. Learn about gene functions and information.
- How DNA WorksLike the one ring of power in Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, "Lord of the Rings," deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the master molecule of every cell. From its structure to what it does, learn all about DNA.
- What is a gene, and what is genetic engineering?Genes and genetic engineering is one of the most fascinating areas of science. It is a field that is constantly changing and evolving. What exactly are genes and how does the science of genetic engineering work?
- How Cells WorkThe human body is composed of about 10 trillion cells. Everything from reproduction to infections to repairing a broken bone happens down at the cellular level. Find out all about cells.
- Romance Genes (Video)Watch this video about romance genes on HowStuffWorks. If the genes of a certain genome are present in two people, the potential for trouble in the relationship is greater. Learn about genes and romance in this video from ScienCentral.
- Paternity DNA Testing (Video)See how medical professionals conduct paternity DNA testing.
- Muscle Genes (Video)How much muscle can a human actually build? Tests on mice show that it's possible to genetically build muscles that don't weaken with time or age. Learn more about muscles on The Science Channel's "Kapow! Superhero Science."
Genetic Science
Genetics is the study of cellular science. It furthers our understanding of how DNA and the genetic make-up of species and can lead to cures for diseases and shape our future.
- Are redheads going extinct?Some news organizations have reported that redheads will disappear by the year 2060. But this fiery breed isn't taking the news lying down, and there are rumors that blonds are on the way out, too.
- Are we ten years away from artificial life?Some researchers on the quest for artificial life say they're only 10 years away from their goal. But could these artificial life forms turn into a science fiction nightmare?
- Are we all descendants of a common female ancestor?According to DNA research, we may all have a common ancestor, an African woman who lived thousands of years ago. How did scientists reach this conclusion? Is it even possible?
- Can genetically modified mosquitoes wipe out malaria?In theory, if you could create a stronger mosquito that's unable to spread malaria and release them into the wild, they would replace the mosquitoes that can spread the disease. But until recently, there has been a major glitch in this concept.
- How Gene Banks WorkMuch like Noah, researchers are stockpiling the genes of Earth's living creatures, loading them into state-of-the art facilities and freezing them. Are scientists saving them for a rainy day?
- Could gene therapy cure baldness?Hair loss affects millions of Americans -- men, women and even children. That's why a recent gene therapy study from a research group at the University of Pennsylvania has many people excited.
- Growing Living Organs in a Lab (Video)U.S. researchers have grown a living and beating heart in a lab. Scientists from the University of Minnesota took hearts from dead rats and injected them with heart cells from newborn rats; the hearts then came to life. Video courtesy of Reuters.
- Glow in the Dark Cats (Video)Watch this Reuters video about cats that glow in the dark. South Korean scientists added special genes to cat embryos and now, with the help of ultraviolet light, they have otherwise normal cats that literally glow in the dark.