An exceptional arrangement concluded for access to the HeLa cell line sequence highlights the problems involved in studies on « old » samples obtained before ethical and privacy safeguards were in place.

After clearing many hurdles, gene therapy is now reaching the commercialization stage and can be expected to make a modest but real contribution to treatment in the near future.

Sequencing technology now makes possible non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, and may soon allow detailed examination of the embryo genome from analysis of a single cell. These positive developments that avoid potentially ...

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests have become quite popular in the USA. This article explores the uses to which they are put and the motivations of the customers.

Whole-genome sequencing of monozygotic twin pairs and of their parents brings new and surprising insights into the rate and distribution of de novo mutations.

The Oldfield mouse and the Deer mouse build very different burrows in nature and also in the laboratory. This behaviour is innate and, in a series of beautiful experiments making use of new generation sequencing for genetic ...

The likelihood of adult psychiatric problems is increased by childhood trauma, particularly so in carriers of certain alleles of certain genes. I discuss here a recent paper that sheds light on the mechanism of this effect, ...