Genetics
DNA Analysis Debunks the Rumor That Rudolf Hess Was Replaced by a Doppelgänger
For decades, rumors have swirled that the Nazi official imprisoned by the British was actually an imposter
'Better Babies' Contests Pushed for Much-Needed Infant Health but Also Played Into the Eugenics Movement
Contests around the country judged infants like they would livestock as a motivator for parents to take better care of their children
San Diego’s Frozen Zoo Offers Hope for Endangered Species Around the World
The largest animal cryobank in the world is a rich source of genetic knowledge that may one day be used to bring endangered species back from the brink
Why Scientists Want to Engineer Spicy Tomatoes
With genetic tinkering, the fruits may offer an easy source of capsaicin, the beneficial compound that gives peppers their heat
Scientists Identify Gene Pattern That Makes Some Animals Monogamous
A new study has found that 24 genes show similar activity in the brain tissue of five species that stick with one mate at a time
How Jean Bennett Found a Way to Treat Hereditary Blindness in Children
In conversation with chef Spike Gjerde, the molecular geneticist explains how she is paving the way for the future of gene therapy
Our Top 11 Stories of 2018
From a 50-year-old political scandal to swarms of genetically engineered mosquitos, here are Smithsonian.com's most-read stories
DNA Can Help Repatriate the Remains of Aboriginal Australians
A new study was able to match genetic material of ancient remains to the DNA of living Aboriginal communities
Cardinals in Different Regions Could Actually Be Distinct Species, Their Songs Suggest
Populations of the ubiquitous red bird have different calls and genetics in the American southwest
Rethinking the Corny History of Maize
A new genetic study traces the movement of one of the world's most vital crops from Mexico to South America
Fruit Flies First Began Feeding on Our Fresh Produce About 10,000 Years Ago
It turns out the insects love marula fruit found in south-central Africa, which attracted them to human caves
Woman With Womb Transplanted From Deceased Donor Successfully Gives Birth
Recipient was born without a womb, but thanks to uterine transplant, she was able to deliver a healthy baby girl in December 2017
The Ten Best Science Books of 2018
These titles explore the wide-ranging implications of new discoveries and experiments, while grounding them in historical context
Lonesome George the Giant Tortoise's DNA Reveals Cancer-Fighting and Longevity Genes
The iconic reptile and last Pinta Island tortoise passed in 2012, but a new look at his DNA is helping researchers understand genetics
Evidence Suggests Humans Reached "Roof of the World" 40,000 Years Ago
Over 3,000 stone tools show human presence in Tibetan plateau 20,000 years before previously thought
Dads Also Pass on Mitochondrial DNA, Contrary to Long-Standing Belief
A new study, which found paternal mitochondrial DNA in 17 individuals, upends the commonly accepted theory that mtDNA comes exclusively from the mother
What's New, and What's Not, in the Reported Birth of the CRISPR Babies
Editing human DNA, either in embryos or in cells that are reintroduced to the body, had come a long way before Lulu and Nana were born
A New Treatment for Blindness Comes From Gene Therapy
A wife-and-husband research team cracks the code to allow certain patients to see again
But First, Coffee—Unless You Are Genetically Disposed to Prefer Tea
Genetic variants that affect our sensitivity to certain bitter substances could play a part in determining our brew of choice, according to a new study
This Rare Warbler Is Three Species in One
A warbler discovered in Pennsylvania is the offspring of a hybrid female and a male from a completely different genus
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