GeneBites
@genebites.org
Bite-sized articles about current research in genetics 🧬 genebites.org
Part of the ScienceBites network
Contact us! [email protected]
Part of the ScienceBites network
Contact us! [email protected]
Reposted by GeneBites
The #DNADay26 Essay Contest is HERE! 🧬This year’s challenge: Analyze a genetic treatment or therapy developed or widely used in recent years. Teachers—help your students share their ideas with the world! Submit by March 4 👉 https://www.ashg.org/dna-day/ #ASHG
January 12, 2026 at 5:55 PM
The #DNADay26 Essay Contest is HERE! 🧬This year’s challenge: Analyze a genetic treatment or therapy developed or widely used in recent years. Teachers—help your students share their ideas with the world! Submit by March 4 👉 https://www.ashg.org/dna-day/ #ASHG
X and Y chromosomes don’t drive binary opposing outcomes. Senior Editor @jpflores.rbind.io discusses a study that found additional Y or inactive X chromosomes in cells affect activity of some genes 🧬 similarly.
#genetics #BeyondTheBinary #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2026/01/08/t...
#genetics #BeyondTheBinary #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2026/01/08/t...
The X and Y Divide Isn’t Binary
The X and Y chromosomes split hundreds of millions of years ago and seem to live very different lives. But new research shows they still regulate the same genes across the genome, quietly shaping b…
genebites.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:15 PM
X and Y chromosomes don’t drive binary opposing outcomes. Senior Editor @jpflores.rbind.io discusses a study that found additional Y or inactive X chromosomes in cells affect activity of some genes 🧬 similarly.
#genetics #BeyondTheBinary #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2026/01/08/t...
#genetics #BeyondTheBinary #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2026/01/08/t...
Some gene therapies give patients a new, functional, version of the gene 🧬 that’s mutated. GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt describes the use of a miniaturized dystrophin gene to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy 💪.
#genetics #genetherapy #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/17/o...
#genetics #genetherapy #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/17/o...
One small gene therapy, one big advancement for muscular dystrophy
While there are no drugs to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, there is still hope for a treatment that can alleviate its cause and symptoms. A new gene therapy approach that introduces a mini vers…
genebites.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Some gene therapies give patients a new, functional, version of the gene 🧬 that’s mutated. GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt describes the use of a miniaturized dystrophin gene to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy 💪.
#genetics #genetherapy #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/17/o...
#genetics #genetherapy #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/17/o...
When thinking about data privacy 🔒, does your mind go to genetics 🧬? GeneBites writer @pattersonhabitat.bsky.social describes the political and ethical implications of 23andMe’s bankruptcy and sale of clients’ genetic data.
#genetics #data #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/13/d...
#genetics #data #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/13/d...
Decoding Life: Spit Take…the Downfall of 23andMe And Our DNA Future
Stories bring people together, help learners see deeper meaning, and provide much needed context to learning. Here we examine the different sides of the home genetic revolution, and how something t…
genebites.org
December 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
When thinking about data privacy 🔒, does your mind go to genetics 🧬? GeneBites writer @pattersonhabitat.bsky.social describes the political and ethical implications of 23andMe’s bankruptcy and sale of clients’ genetic data.
#genetics #data #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/13/d...
#genetics #data #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/13/d...
Wave 🌊 hello to genetic discoveries about ocean-dwellers 🪼! GeneBites writer @ecoevodanny.bsky.social describes the finding that there are genetically-distinct populations of bluebottles with unique body shapes.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/03/s...
#genetics #marinebiology #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/03/s...
#genetics #marinebiology #scicomm
Sailing across the ocean: Bluebottles are found to have four distinct populations
The ocean is full of biodiversity; however, with no apparent geographic barriers to initiate speciation we do not fully understand how new species form in the ocean. Blue bottles shed some light in…
genebites.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Wave 🌊 hello to genetic discoveries about ocean-dwellers 🪼! GeneBites writer @ecoevodanny.bsky.social describes the finding that there are genetically-distinct populations of bluebottles with unique body shapes.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/03/s...
#genetics #marinebiology #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/12/03/s...
#genetics #marinebiology #scicomm
Reposted by GeneBites
It's the most wonderful time of the year, best-of book list time! At @sciam.bsky.social we do a fun spin, highlighting a ton of books individual staffers read this year and loved, and it's always a pleasure to contribute. Check out this year's list (with lots of entries from yours truly): 📚💙
The Scientific American Staff’s Favorite Books of 2025
Here are the 67 books Scientific American staffers couldn’t put down this year, from fantasy epics to gripping nonfiction
www.scientificamerican.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
It's the most wonderful time of the year, best-of book list time! At @sciam.bsky.social we do a fun spin, highlighting a ton of books individual staffers read this year and loved, and it's always a pleasure to contribute. Check out this year's list (with lots of entries from yours truly): 📚💙
Reposted by GeneBites
"In the end, I have come to realize that being authentic at work is not a weakness, but rather a strength." #ScienceWorkingLife https://scim.ag/49B7hRv
November 21, 2025 at 8:59 PM
"In the end, I have come to realize that being authentic at work is not a weakness, but rather a strength." #ScienceWorkingLife https://scim.ag/49B7hRv
Reposted by GeneBites
🧪 ✏️Apply for the 2026 Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Internship with
@science.org! 🧪 ✏️
This could be for you if you're a student from a community historically underrepresented in #journalism who's interested in in covering science for general audiences: recruiting.ultipro.com/AME1123ASEM/...
@science.org! 🧪 ✏️
This could be for you if you're a student from a community historically underrepresented in #journalism who's interested in in covering science for general audiences: recruiting.ultipro.com/AME1123ASEM/...
recruiting.ultipro.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
🧪 ✏️Apply for the 2026 Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Internship with
@science.org! 🧪 ✏️
This could be for you if you're a student from a community historically underrepresented in #journalism who's interested in in covering science for general audiences: recruiting.ultipro.com/AME1123ASEM/...
@science.org! 🧪 ✏️
This could be for you if you're a student from a community historically underrepresented in #journalism who's interested in in covering science for general audiences: recruiting.ultipro.com/AME1123ASEM/...
Reposted by GeneBites
"Influenza is no joke."
Here's what we know so far about this coming flu season. It's not too late to vaccinate 💉 @sciam.bsky.social
www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-...
Here's what we know so far about this coming flu season. It's not too late to vaccinate 💉 @sciam.bsky.social
www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-...
A New Flu Variant May Make Cold Season Brutal This Year
U.S. flu rates remain low, but experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries
www.scientificamerican.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:29 PM
"Influenza is no joke."
Here's what we know so far about this coming flu season. It's not too late to vaccinate 💉 @sciam.bsky.social
www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-...
Here's what we know so far about this coming flu season. It's not too late to vaccinate 💉 @sciam.bsky.social
www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-...
There’s a saying: "you are what you eat" 🍴. GeneBites writer Sarah Lester describes research into how lack of micronutrient availability can impact human evolution 🧬.
#genetics #evolution #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/20/m...
#genetics #evolution #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/20/m...
Micro Cause, Macro Effect: How Micronutrients Effect Human Evolution
We know how important it is to get our protein, but what about our magnesium or selenium? This new study explores how living in areas lacking specific micronutrients could influence human genetics.
genebites.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
There’s a saying: "you are what you eat" 🍴. GeneBites writer Sarah Lester describes research into how lack of micronutrient availability can impact human evolution 🧬.
#genetics #evolution #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/20/m...
#genetics #evolution #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/20/m...
How sweet! GeneBites writer Sandhyaa Venkatachalam describes nectar release in flowering plants 🌼 and how pollinators 🐝 impact the evolution of nectar-releasing structures.
#genetics #plants #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/11/c...
#genetics #plants #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/11/c...
Code of the Nectar: How Flowers make their Sweet Deal
Nectar, produced by specialized glands called nectaries in flowers, is instrumental in attracting pollinators and enabling plant reproduction. Its composition and production are determined by a com…
genebites.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:42 PM
How sweet! GeneBites writer Sandhyaa Venkatachalam describes nectar release in flowering plants 🌼 and how pollinators 🐝 impact the evolution of nectar-releasing structures.
#genetics #plants #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/11/c...
#genetics #plants #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/11/c...
Gene editing is showing promise even in its ear-ly days 👂. GeneBites writer Olivia Fish describes a study where scientists used CRISPR gene editing 🧬 to restore hearing in mice 🐁 that were deaf due to a genetic mutation.
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/07/g...
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/07/g...
Gene editing can restore hearing in mice with a form of genetic deafness
A method known as CRISPR allows scientists to edit the DNA of living organisms. A recent paper shows that this method can be used to restore hearing in adult mice with a form of genetic deafness.
genebites.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Gene editing is showing promise even in its ear-ly days 👂. GeneBites writer Olivia Fish describes a study where scientists used CRISPR gene editing 🧬 to restore hearing in mice 🐁 that were deaf due to a genetic mutation.
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/07/g...
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/11/07/g...
Is “jumping DNA” the key to dogs' 🐶 friendliness? GeneBites writer Emily Faulkner describes the finding that the lack of a mobile DNA 🧬 sequence in a gene in most dogs may explain social behavioral differences from wolves.
#genetics #dog #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/10/20/f...
#genetics #dog #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/10/20/f...
From Wolves to Woofs: How DNA Made Dogs So Friendly
Long before dogs became part of our families, they were wild wolves. A small change in their DNA may have helped them take the first step toward friendship with humans.
genebites.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Is “jumping DNA” the key to dogs' 🐶 friendliness? GeneBites writer Emily Faulkner describes the finding that the lack of a mobile DNA 🧬 sequence in a gene in most dogs may explain social behavioral differences from wolves.
#genetics #dog #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/10/20/f...
#genetics #dog #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/10/20/f...
Gene editing 🧬 can have side effects. Guest writer Olivia Conway describes the finding that CRISPR gene editing ✂️ is associated with an increase in mitochondrial DNA pieces being incorporated into the nuclear genome.
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/30/c...
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/30/c...
CRISPR editing has an unwanted passenger
Written by: Guest Writer Olivia Conway Stray bits of DNA can slip into our genomes without warning—not from an invader, but from our own mitochondria. These genetic stowaways, called NUMTs, may cau…
genebites.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Gene editing 🧬 can have side effects. Guest writer Olivia Conway describes the finding that CRISPR gene editing ✂️ is associated with an increase in mitochondrial DNA pieces being incorporated into the nuclear genome.
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/30/c...
#genetics #CRISPR #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/30/c...
Gene sequence 🧬 variants aren’t the only factor impacting health. GeneBites writer @amandan-weiss.bsky.social describes a study profiling genomic openness in brain samples 🧠 from people with major depressive disorder.
#epigenetics #MDD #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/17/p...
#epigenetics #MDD #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/17/p...
Profiling genomic openness offers insights into the biology of major depressive disorder
A new study by Chawla et al. characterized changes in DNA openness associated with major depressive disorder in human brain samples. They identified cell type-specific changes and linked genetic va…
genebites.org
November 1, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Gene sequence 🧬 variants aren’t the only factor impacting health. GeneBites writer @amandan-weiss.bsky.social describes a study profiling genomic openness in brain samples 🧠 from people with major depressive disorder.
#epigenetics #MDD #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/17/p...
#epigenetics #MDD #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/17/p...
Happy #Halloween 🎃! Did you know that genomic studies have suggested that digestive system toxins may play a role in how Ophiocordyceps fungi turn ants 🐜 into zombies 🧟?
Here are some studies about it: doi.org/10.1111/mec...., doi.org/10.1038/s415...
What’s your favorite eerie science fact?
Here are some studies about it: doi.org/10.1111/mec...., doi.org/10.1038/s415...
What’s your favorite eerie science fact?
October 31, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Happy #Halloween 🎃! Did you know that genomic studies have suggested that digestive system toxins may play a role in how Ophiocordyceps fungi turn ants 🐜 into zombies 🧟?
Here are some studies about it: doi.org/10.1111/mec...., doi.org/10.1038/s415...
What’s your favorite eerie science fact?
Here are some studies about it: doi.org/10.1111/mec...., doi.org/10.1038/s415...
What’s your favorite eerie science fact?
Did you know that some animals 🐛 use asexual reproduction? GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt discusses a study that found female-only termite colonies in Japan 🌏!
#genetics #insects #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/08/s...
#genetics #insects #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/08/s...
Sex and the city (of termites)
Sexual reproduction offers many evolutionary advantages. However, in some cases, female asexual reproduction reigns supreme. Yahshiro et al. explore how and why queens overthrew kings in certain te…
genebites.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Did you know that some animals 🐛 use asexual reproduction? GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt discusses a study that found female-only termite colonies in Japan 🌏!
#genetics #insects #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/08/s...
#genetics #insects #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/09/08/s...
I spy with my little eye…genetic control of eye 👁️ placement! GeneBites writer Sandhyaa Venkatachalam discusses research on the role of the Dve gene in fly 🪰 eye development.
#genetics #development #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/29/n...
#genetics #development #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/29/n...
Nature’s blueprint for vision – the evolutionary logic of eye placement
Optimal eye placement across the animal kingdom is a diverse phenomenon to suit every creature’s purpose and way of life. During development, the interocular distance (space between two eyes) and e…
genebites.org
October 29, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I spy with my little eye…genetic control of eye 👁️ placement! GeneBites writer Sandhyaa Venkatachalam discusses research on the role of the Dve gene in fly 🪰 eye development.
#genetics #development #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/29/n...
#genetics #development #scicomm
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/29/n...
Multi-purpose drugs 💊? GeneBites writer Sarah Lester describes research where drugs for cystic fibrosis and blood pressure helped in a cell model of COPD 🫁 and cigarette smoke exposure 🚬.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/21/r...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/21/r...
Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle: Using Existing Drugs to Treat COPD
Who needs something new when you can repurpose what you already have? A 2025 study finds that medications designed for cystic fibrosis and high blood pressure effectively resolve key physiological …
genebites.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Multi-purpose drugs 💊? GeneBites writer Sarah Lester describes research where drugs for cystic fibrosis and blood pressure helped in a cell model of COPD 🫁 and cigarette smoke exposure 🚬.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/21/r...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/21/r...
You can’t edit a gene 🧬 unless the treatment gets into cells! GeneBites writer @amandan-weiss.bsky.social describes the development of a new delivery system ✉️ for gene-editing molecules.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/09/u...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/09/u...
Unpacking ENVLPE: a new delivery system for gene-editing technology
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay In a recent study by Geilenkeuser et al., researchers developed a new system to help different types of gene editing molecules get into cells efficiently. Exper…
genebites.org
October 27, 2025 at 7:35 PM
You can’t edit a gene 🧬 unless the treatment gets into cells! GeneBites writer @amandan-weiss.bsky.social describes the development of a new delivery system ✉️ for gene-editing molecules.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/09/u...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/09/u...
Some scientific progress 🔬 has been rooted in unethical actions. GeneBites writer Zach Patterson discusses the story of Henrietta Lacks and the importance of justice ⚖️ in biomedical research.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/08/d...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/08/d...
Decoding Life: Cell Division Shaping Societal Change
Stories bring people together, help learners see deeper meaning, and provide much needed context to learning. Here we examine the most famous cells in history and how their existence benefits socie…
genebites.org
October 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Some scientific progress 🔬 has been rooted in unethical actions. GeneBites writer Zach Patterson discusses the story of Henrietta Lacks and the importance of justice ⚖️ in biomedical research.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/08/d...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/08/d...
Ever had bananas 🍌 go bad too quickly? GeneBites writer Emily Faulkner discusses research about editing banana genes 🧬 to prevent ripening and browning.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/23/b...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/23/b...
Banana Biotechnology
Bananas are one of the most consumed fruits globally yet also one of the most wasted. With a shelf life of just 1 week, they may seem to go from perfectly ripe to overripe overnight. In the U.S. al…
genebites.org
October 24, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Ever had bananas 🍌 go bad too quickly? GeneBites writer Emily Faulkner discusses research about editing banana genes 🧬 to prevent ripening and browning.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/23/b...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/23/b...
Did you know there's more than one genetic code 🧬? GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt describes the discovery of bacteria-infecting 🦠 viruses using an alternative genetic language!
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/16/b...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/16/b...
Bilingual Viruses
Humans, bacteria, and viruses all use a common genetic code to communicate with one another, but new evidence shows that some viruses found in the human gut may use an alternative genetic code to e…
genebites.org
October 23, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Did you know there's more than one genetic code 🧬? GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt describes the discovery of bacteria-infecting 🦠 viruses using an alternative genetic language!
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/16/b...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/16/b...
How do brains 🧠 change with age? GeneBites writer Olivia Fish describes a study where scientists found buildup of a protein impacting a cellular process in aging fly 🪰 brains.
Check is out here: genebites.org/2025/06/04/w...
Check is out here: genebites.org/2025/06/04/w...
What can the fruit fly tell us about aging?
A recent study identifies accumulation of a certain protein filament as a hallmark of brain aging, which can be targeted to improve aging health. Furthermore, it links this accumulation with disrup…
genebites.org
October 22, 2025 at 8:06 PM
How do brains 🧠 change with age? GeneBites writer Olivia Fish describes a study where scientists found buildup of a protein impacting a cellular process in aging fly 🪰 brains.
Check is out here: genebites.org/2025/06/04/w...
Check is out here: genebites.org/2025/06/04/w...
Facing pathogens 🦠 with antibiotic resistance, we may turn to ants 🐜 for help! GeneBites writer Sadia Bhatti discusses research on antimicrobial chemicals produced by ants.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/26/a...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/26/a...
“Anty-Biotics” from the Tiniest Warriors of Planet Earth Can Defend Humans
New evidence shows that African Matabele ants societies can serve as ‘wound healing’ paramedics. Scientists are now exploring how these potent antibiotics may defend humans against deadly superbug…
genebites.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Facing pathogens 🦠 with antibiotic resistance, we may turn to ants 🐜 for help! GeneBites writer Sadia Bhatti discusses research on antimicrobial chemicals produced by ants.
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/26/a...
Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/26/a...