The contraceptive pill may disrupt women’s natural ability to choose a partner genetically dissimilar to themselves. This could result in difficulties when trying to conceive, an increased risk of miscarriage and long intervals between pregnancies. Passing on a lack of diverse genes to children could also weaken their immune systems.

Humans tend to be attracted to those with a dissimilar genetic make-up to themselves, maintaining genetic diversity, which is signaled by subtle odors. A research team analyzed how the contraceptive pill affects odor preferences, and found that the preferences of women who began using the contraceptive pill shifted towards men with genetically similar odors.

Not only could genetic similarity in couples lead to fertility problems, but it could ultimately lead to the breakdown of relationships when women stop using the contraceptive pill, as odor perception plays a significant role in maintaining attraction to partners.

A drug-like molecule called Wnt can be substituted for the cancer gene c-Myc, one of four genes added to adult cells to reprogram them to an embryonic-stem-cell-like state, according to Whitehead researchers. Researchers hope that such embryonic stem-cell-like cells, known as induced pluripotent (IPS) cells, eventually may treat diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.

A drug-like molecule called Wnt can be substituted for the cancer gene c-Myc, one of four genes added to adult cells to reprogram them to an embryonic-stem-cell-like state, according to Whitehead researchers.

A new variety of soybeans, called Y-series soybeans, developed by DuPont may come from a biotech company, but it’s not GM that delivered the yield advantage they are trumpeting.

Instead, a significant yield increase stemmed from molecular marker technologies — a biotechnology approach involving no genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering is poor at improving productivity. Soybeans yield is controlled by many different genes working in combination. It is likely that Monsanto’s new “RReady 2Yield” soybeans do not owe their own yield claims to genetic engineering, but instead to parent developed conventionally with the help of molecular marker technologies.

In the video linked below, researchers report that they have made a major breakthrough in autism research.

Many cases of autism are linked to genetic defects that disrupt the brain’s ability to learn. What’s more, these genes could be activated by behavioral and educational therapies, allowing the brain to develop normally!

You can click the link below for more information.