Researchers can learn a lot with your genetic information, even when you skip survey questions – yesterday's mode of informed consent doesn't quite fit today's biobank studies

Biobanks collect and store large amounts of data that researchers use to conduct a wide range of studies. Making sure participants understand what they’re getting into can help build trust in science.

Robbee Wedow, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Data Science, Purdue University • conversation
June 29, 2023 • ~7 min

You shed DNA everywhere you go – trace samples in the water, sand and air are enough to identify who you are, raising ethical questions about privacy

Environmental DNA provides a wealth of information for conservationists, archaeologists and forensic scientists. But the unintentional pickup of human genetic information raises ethical questions.

Jessica Alice Farrell, Postdoctoral associate, University of Florida • conversation
May 15, 2023 • ~8 min

Vagrant, machine or pioneer? How we think about a roving eagle offers insights into human attitudes toward nature

A Steller’s sea eagle, native to the Asian Arctic, has traveled across North America since 2021. A scholar questions whether the bird is lost – and how well humans really understand animals’ actions.

Adriana Craciun, Professor of English and Emma MacLachlan Metcalf Chair of Humanities, Boston University • conversation
May 4, 2023 • ~13 min

Raise a glass to your cousin, King Charles III

How to prove you’re descended from royalty.

Turi King, Professor of Genetics and Public Engagement, University of Leicester • conversation
May 3, 2023 • ~6 min

DNA study sheds light on Scotland's Picts, and resolves some myths about them

The genetic study challenges previous theories about the origins and culture of the Picts.

Adeline Morez, Post-doctorate researcher, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, visiting lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University • conversation
May 2, 2023 • ~8 min

How fish evolved to walk – and in one case, turned into humans

We can trace our human evolutionary lineage back to fish.

Chris Organ, Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Biology, University of Reading • conversation
March 3, 2023 • ~7 min

How frontotemporal dementia, the syndrome affecting Bruce Willis, changes the brain – research is untangling its genetic causes

FTD leads to changes in personality and behavior. Understanding its genetic and molecular causes could lead to new ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Fen-Biao Gao, Professor of Neurology, Gov. Paul Cellucci Chair in Neuroscience Research, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
Feb. 22, 2023 • ~8 min

Lack of diversity in clinical trials is leaving women and patients of color behind and harming the future of medicine - Podcast

Medicine works better when the treatments are tailored to fit each individual person’s biology and history. A first step is increasing diversity in clinical trials, but the end goal is precision medicine.

Nehal El-Hadi, Science + Technology Editor & Co-Host of The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation • conversation
Feb. 9, 2023 • ~8 min

Lack of diversity in clinical trials is leaving women and patients of color behind and harming the future of medicine

Medicine works better when the treatments are tailored to fit each individual person’s biology and history. A first step is increasing diversity in clinical trials, but the end goal is precision medicine.

Nehal El-Hadi, Science + Technology Editor & Co-Host of The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation • conversation
Feb. 9, 2023 • ~8 min

Picky eater? Research shows it could be in your DNA

Our experiences of taste are so vivid and personal it can be hard to imagine how people can turn their nose up at your favourite comfort food. Research shows the explanation could be in your genes.

Nicola Pirastu, Senior Manager Biostatistics Unit at Human Technopole and Honorary Fellow, The University of Edinburgh • conversation
Dec. 9, 2022 • ~6 min

/

10