Genetics & Evolution

A hormone is defined as a chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. Despite operating as micro-level human body processes, their operations are essential to our survival and affect our everyday activities of life.

We know that everyone's DNA is unique, but do you know exactly how forensic scientists tell people apart from their DNA? In this article, we explore the concept of microsatellites (or STRs) and apply this knowledge to tackle an exciting mock case example with riveting twists and turns.

Did you know that up to 2% of genes in the human population are actually from Neanderthals? Mood disorders and sleeping patterns are among the traits influenced by these genes. Read on to learn more about the traits modern humans have in common with Neanderthals.

They live in a rainbow world the rest of us can never see.

Genetic diversity is the variation in the characteristics inherited from the parent organisms in a population of a specific species. Genetic diversity can come about through a number of ways: mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size.

Several external factors affect the way we perceive eye color. This article discusses how environmental factors can impact hazel eyes, making it easy to mistake them for green eyes.

The discovery of a single tooth led to the belief that an ape-like creature had once roamed the plains of the New World.

About 10 percent of the population is left-handed and experts are unsure exactly why this is so.

A cursory glance at the building blocks of life.

I tested my DNA with 23andMe and did a lot of research discussed in this article. I explain how to analyze your results.

Sickle cell disease is painful for sufferers and can sometimes be dangerous. Genome editing may one day correct the mutation that causes the disorder.

According to genetics, it is extremely rare, but still possible, for a black person to have blue eyes. This article will cover the science behind black people with blue eyes, and will provide some well-known examples.

Dinosaurs Alive is an exhibition consisting of large, animatronic dinosaurs. This article contains facts about the real animals as well as photos of some of the models.

Gene drive seeks to insert or remove a chosen trait in the genome of an entire species. Future applications include eliminating malaria, the zika virus and other diseases.

A brief overview of the genetics of Phenylketonuria.

Brown or blue eyes are the most common, but some people, whether by luck or a medical condition, wind up with really cool and rare eye colors. Learn if red, violet, or grey eyes really exist and discover other unusual eye colorations.

This hub outlines the process of protein synthesis within a eukaryotic cell.

When I meet someone for the first time, I always notice their eyes. Here are some cool facts about people with green eyes.

Despite contrary advice, marrying a first cousin can indeed result in a greater probability of birthing a child with genetic defects. The Amish avoid these close marriages, too.

Though there isn't much research data available, we can confidently say that the rarest eye color in the world is Green. Amber, Violet/Red and Black are also extremely rare.

Researchers are embarking on studies that show a correlation between the color and pattern of the human eye iris and personality and intelligence. What do your eyes tell the world?

Prior to the discovery of blood groups, blood transfusions were often deadly. Physicians attempted the use of milk and animal blood as an alternative to human blood, but met with limited success: the discovery of blood types allowed modern transfusions to safely take place. Blood typing, blood groups around the world, and the genetics of blood types are discussed in this article.

A genealogy timeline can help you organise your family history and open up new lines of enquiry. Learn how to create a genealogy timeline to uncover more of your family history.

If you have red hair or blue eyes, then you're a mutant. There's nothing you can do about it except read this page to find out why nature selected you for mutantdom.

Hair color is primarily genetic, and red hair is caused by mutations in the MC1R gene. The gene for red hair also causes an increased sensitivity to sunlight and a reduced sensitivity to anesthesia. Contrary to internet rumors, redheads are not going extinct! Famous redheads include Queen Elizabeth I and Malcolm X.

Examining what it means to have Irish blood, outlining where Irish DNA comes from and who are the closest genetic relatives of the Irish in Europe. Of interest to anyone with Irish ancestry who wants to understand their genealogy.

The Y chromosome contains haplogroups which allow people to trace their family history, genes which control male development, and may actually be disappearing.

Your teeth can tell you a lot about your ancestry! Read more to find out how.

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes. Telomerase is an enzyme that stops telomeres from shortening. Both may play a role in the aging process and in cancer development.

It was not so long ago that there was a widespread belief that babies were born blind and only gradually become able to see.