Latest articles on Genetics

Nigerian town is ‘twins capital’ of the world

Africa Joel Olatunde Agoi - 18 Oct 2019

The town recently hosted its second festival, attracting hundreds of sets of twins dressed in traditional clothes

Our starch cravings date back to cave dwellers

Article Matthew Taub - 31 May 2019

Starches have been dietary staples for even longer than we thought

Science body pushes for better human genetics ethics guidelines

Article Duncan Alfreds - 4 Dec 2018

Forensic science was critical in convicting axe murderer Henri van Breda who killed his father, mother and brother in their upmarket home

Ancient DNA research makes important addition to our understanding of human history

Article Julian Leshilo Sebake - 16 Feb 2018

Modern humans have been around a lot longer than was previously thought

New research proves society favours tall and skinny people

Article Sipho Kings - 10 Mar 2016

Tall men and thin women tend to be better educated, earn more and suffer less deprivation. And perceptions of health influence how we treat others.

The murky morality of biobanking

Article Staff Reporter - 3 Sep 2015

Human tissue could be a medical game changer, but thorny ethical roadblocks must be navigated.

Malaria gets its own barcode

Article Staff Reporter - 20 Nov 2014

Scientists have developed a tool for coding DNA that will help to monitor drug-resistant strains.

SA lights a torch in the genomic revolution

Article Staff Reporter - 10 Oct 2013

With the Southern African Human Genome Project, local scientists hope to grow our genetics research capabilities.

Scientists race to get ahead of mutating bird flu

Article Staff Reporter - 3 Apr 2013

Genetic sequence data on a strain of bird flu has shown the virus has acquired mutations that might make it more likely to cause a human pandemic.

Genomics crucial to drug safety

Article Staff Reporter - 26 Apr 2012

Intolerance for prescribed medication has been a common and sometimes deadly issue that genetic testing can solve, but privacy issues are a concern.

Y chromosome lacks evolutionary X factor

Article Staff Reporter - 27 Feb 2012

Although the chromosome is in mortal decline, it does not mean the demise of the human male.

Federal court upholds patenting on human genes

Article Staff Reporter - 30 Jul 2011

Federal courts have ruled that human genes can be patented, which could have big implications for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Gene therapy cures haemophilia in mice

Article Staff Reporter - 1 Jul 2011

The success of gene therapy holds hope for the cure of other inherited life-threatening diseases.

New Down’s test may replace surgery

Article Staff Reporter - 18 Mar 2011

Scientists have developed a blood analysis that tells expectant mothers whether they are carrying a child with Down's Syndrome.

Distinctive brain activity in autistic kids

Article Alok Jha - 19 Nov 2010

The pattern of brain activity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is markedly different from that of children without the condition.

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National

Traditional healers need new spaces

john molebatsi & christina breed & gary ivan stafford - 24 Nov 2020

Proper facilities supported by well-researched cultural principles will go a long way to improving the image and perception of the practice of traditional medicine

National

Limpopo big-game farmer accused of constant harassment

Lucas Ledwaba - 23 Nov 2020

A family’s struggle against alleged intimidation and failure to act by the authorities mirrors the daily challenges farm dwellers face

National

Zondo tightens his grip with criminal complaint against Zuma

Sarah Smit - 23 Nov 2020

The state capture commission’s star witness now faces a criminal complaint and another summons

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Special Reports

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Special Reports

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Special Reports

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