Morphine-Free Poppy
Finding the genes responsible for blocking morphine production in the poppy
Genes and Sex
DNA analysis shows that fewer males than females have reproduced over evolutionary time.
Hearts and Worms
Studying a potassium channel that can trigger heart arrhythmia when blocked.
Two Kidneys
Why do we have two kidney but only one liver? (Evolved bilateral symmetry, and kidneys are less protected so need a spare)
Genetics and Stress
A gene for a brain receptor can make people more or less vulnerable to stress.
Dog Breeds
Are there any two dog breeds that could be considered different species? (Some breeds do have difficulty breeding, but it doesn't necessarily make them different species.)
Dog Genetics
Comparing genomes of different dog breeds could give clues to cancer genes in humans.
Longevity Roundup
Genes that lower cholesterol lower it too much in old age, and a gene that lengthens life span.
Fragile X Tremors
Being a carrier for the genetic disease Fragile X Syndrome causes tremors and balance problems.
Dog Domestication
Dogs understand human pointing gestures better than wolves and chimps.
Alcohol and Accents
A sweet tooth indicates a predisposition for alcoholism, and a stroke victim starts speaking with a British accent.
Genes Roundup
Delaying breast cancer with exercise and weight control, and genes associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Personalized Smell
Different combinations of genes make people sensitive to different smells.
Mice Mothers
Vitamin supplements given to pregnant mice affect their offspring's risk for obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Pain Roundup
A structure in the brain called RAIC suppresses pain, and analyzing genetics could help in prescribing the right pain medicines.
Inheriting Diabetes
If my parents have diabetes, will I get it too? (not necessarily - but chances higher)
Primate Cloning
Humans and other primates cannot be cloned using current techniques.
Redheads and Pain
Redheaded women have a gene that helps some analgesics work better, and men and women process pain differently
Losing Smell
Some olfactory genes in humans don't work -- meaning we've lost some of our ability to smell
Cloned Pigs
Cloned pigs differ from one another as much as pigs bred conventionally do.
Supertasters’ Health
People with more taste buds, known as supertasters, might have a higher risk of cancer.
Blood Types
Why do people have different blood types? (Different molecules on the surface of red cells)