Genetics

Vayechi: Immortality and continuity, family and generations

The rabbis must be telling us a deeper message than mere biological and genetic survival from the past until today.

Sheryl Grossman, who shed light on Bloom's Syndrome, dies at 46

Jewish activist whose own rare disease fueled her advocacy for people with disabilities inside and beyond Jewish communities, died at 46.

Challenge to Neo-Darwinism?

Human genetic mutation may not be random after all, study finds

Groundbreaking study by researchers in Israel and Ghana brings first evidence of nonrandom mutation in human genes.

First treatment for Tay-Sachs disease successfully tested

Positive results of drug's clinical trial heralded as "major breakthrough" in treating rare genetic disease common among Ashkenazi Jews.

Scientists discover 30 viruses frozen in 15,000-year old ice

Team studying core ice samples from Tibetan Plateau find 28 genetic markers from viruses not previously studied by science.

Could new Israeli software help correct genetic defects?

Researchers from IDC Herzliya and Bar-Ilan University develop novel software tool to help make gene modification more accurate

Weekly Torah Study: Genetics and environment

It's not only nurture, it is also nature that plays a role in choosing a bride.

Andrew Sullivan hints Jews are genetically smarter than others

Former conservative writer Andrew Sullivan hints that he believes Jews may be more genetically inclined to high levels of cognitive ability.

Genetics and Nazism - What were the Germans trying to achieve?

The idea that we can improve the genetic make-up of the human race through selective breeding. Sound familiar?

Lebanese are descendants of Canaanites

New study analyzes remains of ancient Canaanites, finds modern Lebanese are 93% genetically similar.

Do all Jews' genes lead back to Turkey?

Startling new research suggests all Jews - even Ashkenazic Jews - have Turkish-Greek roots originating in the Persian Empire.

Israeli doctors treat new disease, save Palestinian boy's life

Doctors discover new disease that affects the offspring of relatives who marry each other, and go on to save Palestinian boy's life.

Study: Trauma Inherited by Holocaust Survivor's Children

A new scientific study from US finds link between trauma suffered by Holocaust survivors and genetic differences in their children.

Genetic Testing Bill Raises Questions about Medical Freedom

Bill, if passed, to mandate genetic testing for specific diseases on every newborn. But is it the State's right to decide?

Genetic Information to be More Secure Under New Law

A new law proposed by MK Meir Sheetrit will substantially strengthen security of information about Israelis in genetic databases