Health risks for people with red hair
In a previous article (Red hair: it’s in your genes), we discussed melanin (made by melanocytes) and the two types of melanin involved in hair and skin pigmentation: eumelanin and pheomelanin. How ..
All about genetics
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Genetics of chimerism: being your own twin
In genetics, a chimera is an organism or tissue that contains at least two different sets of DNA, most often originating from the fusion of as many different zygotes (fertilized eggs) [1]. The term i..
Patients with stomach and intestinal disorders may be at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
A recent study indicates a genetic link between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and multiple gut disorders. The researchers found that people with AD and gut disorders have specific genes in common. The f..
Does hay fever have a genetic cause?
Do you suffer from hay fever? Do you dread the onset of warm spring weather almost as much as you look forward to it? If so, you are not alone as large numbers of people around the world are also suf..
All about Mendelian Inheritance
Have you ever wondered why some diseases run in families or why everyone in your family has brown eyes? It is due to genetic inheritance or how genetic material is passed from parent to child. The la..
Red Hair: it’s in your genes
A quick question: what do Prince Harry, Ed Sheeran, Jessica Chastain and Julianne Moore have in common? That’s right, their hair color: they are all natural redheads! Everyone is aware..
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 69 loci associated with beat synchronization
69 distinct genetic variations associated with the ability to keep in time with a musical beat (also called beat synchronization ability) have been discovered by an international team of researchers...
Twins: from a genetic point of view
Regardless of whether someone is a twin or has twins in the family, it is an interesting subject for many people. You may easily recall times you have met a set of twins or maybe you knew a pair of t..
The origin of the words gene, genome and genetics
Most people have heard the word gene and many people will be familiar with the idea of what a gene* is, but have you ever wondered where the word gene comes from and how it, and several related words..
What is a Rare Disease and what causes it?
Genetic testing can help improve the lives of people and families living with a rare disease. Each rare disease, alone, may be considered "rare" but given that there are >7,000 rare diseases, take..
