How brain-mapping research by Seattle scientists could help prevent Alzheimer's Research by a group of Seattle scientists may help doctors and drug companies target specific brain cells to help people keep their minds sharp as they age. KUOW Staff
Creating a sperm or egg from any cell? Reproduction revolution on the horizon Researchers are inching closer to creating human eggs and sperm in the lab that carry a full complement of anyone's DNA. It could revolutionize fertility treatment and raises huge ethical questions. Rob Stein Play AudioListen 8 mins
Scientists sequence Beethoven's genome for clues into his painful past Scientists have sequenced the genome of Ludwig van Beethoven from two-century-old locks of hair. They've found some clues in the DNA about the ailments that plagued him in life. Ari Daniel
Why scientists dug up the father of genetics, Gregor Mendel, and analyzed his DNA The year 2022 was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Gregor Mendel. He's known as the father of genetics, so scientists exhumed Mendel's body and examined his DNA. Nell Greenfieldboyce
So you haven't caught COVID yet. Does that mean you're a superdodger? A new study suggests that. yes, there are superdodgers. But explaining why they've been able to avoid the virus is a bit complicated. Michaeleen Doucleff
Is breeding bulldogs cruel? Animal groups debate how to make them healthier With smushed-in faces and compact bodies, bulldogs are prone to health problems. A court in Norway recently banned breeding them, sparking an international debate. Lauren Sommer Play AudioListen 5 mins
Scientists Say They Could Bring Back Woolly Mammoths. But Maybe They Shouldn't A company formed by Harvard genetics professor George Church, known for pioneering work in genome sequencing and gene splicing, hopes to genetically resurrect woolly mammoths. Scott Neuman
This horrific cold case could be solved by tracing the murderer's family tree To the FBI profiler, it didn’t look like the first time this person had murdered somebody. Alec Cowan Play AudioListen 9 mins
A murder trial in Snohomish County will change genetic privacy forever Friends say William Talbott II is a regular guy. Police say he murdered a young couple more than 30 years ago. His DNA may be the key to the truth. Clare McGrane Play AudioListen 2 mins
Nature, Nurture And Your Politics When most of us think about how we came to our political views, we often give a straightforward answer. We believe our stances on taxes, immigration or national security are shaped by those around us — our friends, parents, teachers. We assume our life experiences are the root of our political ideologies. But what if there is something deeper in us that drives the music we listen to, the food we eat — even the politicians that we elect? This week, we explore the role of biology in shaping our political identities. NPR Staff Play AudioListen 27 mins
