To die for.
We could debate why people cheat longer than we dissected what exactly counts as cheating, and now a new study has added another lame excuse: the tendency to cheat is genetically predetermined. The same gene linked to alcoholism, gambling, and thrill-seeking makes people more likely to cheat and have one-night stands. It's all related to a system of pleasure and reward that releases the Read more
Weight gain is sure a hot topic these days — check out what the latest studies say about how we gain weight and what might be the next fix for managing excessive eating. Genetics linked to body shape and weight gain. As part of a new study, researchers looked at the DNA of 250,000 individuals and found genetic variations related to body shape and how the body stores fat. The findings Read more
This Fall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will decide whether a new variety of genetically engineered salmon can be sold in supermarkets. If approved, the fish would be the first genetically engineered animal that people could eat. The Atlantic salmon, developed by AquaBounty Technologies, borrows genes from a fish called ocean pout, and develops at twice the normal rate, growing to Read more
What sounds like a BS excuse — that some men "just can't help it" when it comes to cheating — may have a basis in reality. Recent research suggests that a so-called "fidelity gene" might determine whether men are likely to get married or have marital problems. But the wandering eye isn't as predetermined as eye color: science is also uncovering proof that men and women can fine-tune their Read more
Like mother, like daughter, right? When I look at old photos of my mom at my age, we look exactly alike. Some children resemble their parents so closely that there's no doubt in your mind that they're related. So does that mean a woman is destined to grow up to look like her mom, and inherit the same body type, whether it be wide hips, large thighs, or a flat tush? One finding proved that Read more
The age at which you lost your virginity could be programmed in your genes. Though researchers have often suspected that having an absent father, a single mom, or sexually active single parents could lead teens to have sex earlier, genetics seem to play a larger role than previously thought. According a new study published in Child Development, the average age at which teens with absent fathers Read more
About four percent of the adult, American population has arachnaphobia — a fear of spiders — and of that percentage, women are four times as likely to be afraid. Researchers concluded that girls have a genetic predisposition to be afraid of dangerous animals like spiders. Coded into our DNA, apparently, is the desire to stay away from dangerous things and protect our children, where men are Read more
Part of the fun of making a baby is the surprise of it all. Expectant parents become giddy over the suspense — will it have his eyes or hers, be a boy or girl, have curly or straight hair? Some people find out the answers to the big questions around the 18-week ultrasound reveal while others keep it a mystery. For those who don't want to leave anything in question, there is the $399 23andMe Read more
As it turns out, modern-day fruits and vegetables may not be so good for you after all. In this month's issue of HortScience, Donald R. Davis, a former research associate at the Biochemical Institute at the University of Texas, argues that the average vegetable found in today's US and UK supermarket could be anywhere from 5 to 40 percent lower in minerals, such as magnesium, iron, calcium, and Read more
Last Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration issued its long-awaited regulations on genetically engineered animals. Its conclusion, after considering genetically altered animals? Consumer labeling will not be required for genetically engineered food.Currently, genetically engineered animals are being developed for the market, but so far none of the animals have been approved by the agency for Read more
