One of two sex chromosomes that determine biological sex. Human females have two X chromosomes, whereas males have one X and one Y chromosome.
Two independent studies have uncovered a genetic variation that increases a man's chances of developing baldness. Professor Tim Spector at Kings College London, UK, and Professor Axel Hillmer at the University of Bonn, Germany, are the first to use a gene-hunting technique in order to identify traits...
A British woman has had some of her own eggs frozen for her ten-year old daughter to use in the future, as she will be rendered infertile by a genetic illness. As frozen eggs for donation can only be kept for 10 years, and the mother's eggs...
Scientists have decoded the genome of the duck-billed platypus, and discovered that the genetic code is as weird as the animal itself. The findings, reported in the journal Nature, hold invaluable clues for understanding evolution. When the first sample of a platypus arrived in England in 1799...
US scientists have found a possible link between low dietary folate levels and abnormal sperm in men. The findings, from the University of California, Berkley, and the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, provide further evidence that healthy diets aid fertility. Folate is a soluble B vitamin found naturally...
Australian researchers have announced the identification of two genes that are involved in learning difficulties. Over 10,000 children born in the UK every year are affected by some form of developmental delay, but in 80 per cent of cases doctors are unable to determine a cause. Reporting...
British scientists have created early-stage, human sperm from female stem cells, according to a news report in New Scientist magazine. It is claimed that the research will pave the way for same sex couples to have children that are genetically their own. However, other scientists are sceptical...
Scientists have discovered a gene modification which helps to reduce some of the symptoms of Fragile X in mice - a condition which in humans is the leading inherited cause of autism and learning difficulties. Published in the journal Neuron, the research suggests that a new class of...
New research, published online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last week, shows that blocking the activity of a gene in the brain - which regulates the enzyme p21-activated kinase (PAK) - can reverse symptoms of mental retardation and autism in mice with Fragile...
A previously unreported form of twinning in humans has been discovered in America. The twins - dubbed 'semi-identical' - are thought to be the result of a single egg being fertilised with two sperm, and then splitting. Double fertilisations are thought to account for around one per cent of...
A British couple have spoken of their heartbreak at having had three young sons diagnosed with the same rare terminal genetic condition. Scott and Nicola Smith, from Eyres Monsell, Leicester, have spoken to the press about discovering their sons' incurable brain disorder. Eight-year old Connor, six-year...
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