Genetics

Genetics refers to the study of genes to understand how living beings inherit certain hereditary characteristics. It is crucial to understand how genes work to understand why each organism in a species is different from one another. In human beings, it explains the presence or absence of traits or why we inherit certain characteristics from our ancestors. Genes are made of DNA and RNA. In a high-end organism like humans, they basically decide everything – eye colour, blood type, skin colour, height, susceptibility to diseases, behavioural traits and many other things. They also play a vital role in explaining how all the species evolved on this planet.

Genetics could predict response to antipsychotic medications: Study

Schizophrenia is characterised by delusions, hallucinations and disorganised thoughts and behaviour. The condition is currently treated with antipsychotic drugs, but this therapy is given without guidance from lab tests to show effectiveness.
Genetics play vital role in neurodevelopment disorders

When an individual develops a neurodevelopment disorder like autism, the severity of that disorder depends on genetic changes beyond a single supposedly disease-causing mutation.
World Lung Cancer Day 2018: 3 things that you must know

Among all kinds of cancers, World Health Organization (WHO) claims that lung cancers are the biggest killers.
Narcolepsy: All you need to know about this sleep disorder

It is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep.
In those with obesity, losing weight could reverse a heart flutter

Individuals who are obese and suffering from atrial fibrillation may be able to reverse the effects of the heart condition by losing weight.
Exercise may reduce genetic effects of obesity in older women, says study

The study, published in the journal Menopause, revealed that genetic associations on body mass index (BMI) were strongest in sedentary postmenopausal women
Scientists offer new hope for genetically determined obesity

In the study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, the team have examined a small group with obesity caused by pathogenic mutations in the so-called MC4R gene and those with obesity without the mutations.
Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin : All you need to know about this skin condition

All you need to know about Keratosis Pilaris, a skin condition.
Identity of genes that determines hair colour may help in cancer research

A discovery sheds new light on our understanding of the genetic complexity underpinning variations in human pigmentation.
Genes that can prolong human life in near future discovered!

Genes involved in senescence, the 'frozen' state that cells enter into after being damaged, played an important role in longevity.
World Albinism Awareness Day 2017: How two men are working towards changing perceptions about albinism in India

Equal treatment, not sympathy is what people with Albinism need.
Scientists identify genetic switch to prevent asthma

Scientists at the University of Southampton analysed the impact of the gene ADAM33, which is associated with the development of asthma.
Scientists say our DNA has a second layer of information on top of the genetic code

Confirming a long-standing hypothesis, scientists from the Netherlands' Leiden University have shown that the genetic information in the DNA not only determines who we are, but also the DNA mechanics.
Brazil goes for genetic modification of Zika mosquitoes, injects plants with special bacteria

Scientists in Brazil invent new way of dealing with Zika virus, inject plants with bacteria to cause genetic modification in mosquitoes.
Genes behind short-sightedness identified
Your ageing and risk of disease is under genetic control, says study

Scientists have shown that a hormone instrumental in the ageing process is under genetic control, introducing a new mechanism by which genetics regulate ageing and disease.
These genes decide if you will live a 100 years or not!
Deadly protein that causes TB identified, can help develop novel therapies to treat the disease

Scientists at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) have discovered a protein that causes mycobacterium tuberculosis. This discovery could help develop therapies to treat tuberculosis.
Low oxygen levels, not genetic mutations responsible for cancer?
4 reasons why you should avoid processed foods during pregnancy

While ready-to-eat foods are easily available and cook in no time, consuming whole, organic foods over processed foods should be the mantra during pregnancy.