Designer Babies: Should We Be Concerned?

It has become possible through new techniques in genetics to make changes to human embryos that creates the concept of designer babies. This would involve altering certain characteristics such as intelligence or eye color before the baby is born. The reason this has become possible is that DNA can now be manipulated with greater precision, thanks to technology such as CRISPR.

This technology may help in the prevention of some genetic disorders; however, it also creates  significant ethical questions. Many researchers have expressed their doubts regarding this procedure since they consider it unsafe and unexplored. In addition, this may create discrimination due to economic differences among families.

The other concern that needs to be mentioned is that complicated traits such as intelligence have many genetic and environmental factors, making them hard to manipulate and control. Even though people think designing a baby is easy, it is actually difficult and complex. 

However, I do not think that such a form of genetic modification is necessary. Although it may be useful in the prevention of certain diseases, the use of genetic manipulation to select traits is controversial. This issue indicates the influence that genetics now has in society.

Source: https://scienceinsights.org/the-ethics-and-science-of-designer-babies-and-gene-editing/

Additional Source: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/ethics

Tags: #DesignerBabies #Ethics #Genetics #CRISPR

Genetic With Educational Fields

 

A Nature Genetics study looked at whether our genes can influence what subjects we choose to study in school. The researchers studied over 460,000 people and found certain genetic differences that are linked to fields like science, health, or the humanities.

The study showed that genetics plays a small role in these choices, about 7%, but most of it is still influenced by things like your environment, family, and personal experiences. This means your DNA doesn’t decide your future, but it might affect your interests or strengths a little bit.

What makes this study interesting is that it focuses on what people choose to study, not just how long they stay in school. It suggests that genetics might influence personality traits or abilities that help guide career paths.

Overall, this study shows that both genetics and life experiences work together to shape our decisions. Even though genes play a role, people still have control over their choices and future.

Links: 

Genetic factors are associated with educational field choices | FinnGen. (2023). FinnGen. https://www.finngen.fi/en/genetic-factors-are-associated-educational-field-choices

Cheesman, R., Ville Anapaz, Alten, S. van, Abdel Abdellaoui, Porneso, R., Ebeltoft, J. C., Ziada Ayorech, Demange, P. A., Eilertsen, E. M., Fauske, A., Havdahl, A., Lahtinen, H., Lyngstad, T. H., Qin, Q., Ganna, A., & Eivind Ystrom. (2025). Genetic associations with educational fields. Nature Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-025-02391-z

Health Risks in Aging Men: Losing the Y Chromosome

    Over the past several years, scientists have assumed that the absence of the Y chromosome did not affect the overall health since it contains relatively few genes except those involved in male development. Recently, new research discovered that losing the Y chromosome is linked to serious health problems across the body like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer, also, may contribute to a shorter lifespan in older men. Although the loss does not happen in every cell, it creates a mix of normal and affected cells in the body, a condition known as mosaicism. Once a cell loses the Y, all of its future copies also lack it. Over time, more cells can lose the Y chromosome, especially in older men. 

                                            

    

    While the Y chromosome may be small, it still plays an important role in regulating genes and supporting the immune system. When it is missing, the body may not function the same way. As a result, more health problems could quietly increase. In addition, many other factors such as smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals can speed up the loss of the chromosome and increase the risk of disease. 

    This research highlights that losing a key chromosome becomes more important for overall health, especially as people age.

Source:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044711.htm

Additional Source:

https://theconversation.com/men-lose-their-y-chromosome-as-they-age-scientists-thought-it-didnt-matter-but-now-were-learning-more-275823

Toxin-Induced Changes in Gene Expression: New Findings in Zebrafish

 An RNA-sequencing investigation of zebrafish exposed to the environmental contaminant, Aroclor 1254.

Figure 1: Zebrafish, Danio rerio, are a common freshwater fish, frequently used in biomedical research for their rapid development, as an ethical alternative to mammals, and high genetic homology to humans.

    Aroclor 1254 is an environmental contaminant present in aquatic environments, made up of various PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), sourced from old shipwrecks, antifreeze, and plasticizers. Last year, a study from the University of North Texas determined that exposure to Aroclor 1254 in zebrafish embryos caused induced eye tremors in larvae. To further investigate this difference in gene expression, a group of geneticists from UC Riverside and the University of North Texas studied the molecular signaling pathways responsible for this impaired sensory system. 

    The updated study affirmed that, upon exposure to this environmental factor, an eye-tremor response was induced in 7ph Zebrafish. Specifically, at 173 micrograms per liter of this contaminant, impaired optokinetic responses and decreased eye diameter were observed in the fish. Specific doses of the contaminant were found to directly impact the species's equivalent to a Parkinson's signaling pathway. This presents further implications for humans, due to our 70% shared genome with Zebrafish. Long-term or early life exposure to pollutants could directly interfere with neurological development and function.

Sources:

Magnuson, Jason T., et al. “Aroclor 1254 Impairs Visual and Neurosensory Signaling Pathways Independent of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Larval Zebrafish.” Aquatic Toxicology, vol. 291, 2026, p. 107695. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166445X2500459X?via%3Dihub#sec0017 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “New Research Identifies Impacts to Developing Zebrafish Exposed to Contaminants.” NOAA Office of Response and Restoration, 12 Mar. 2026. https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/new-research-identifies-impacts-developing-zebrafish-exposed-contaminants 

GMOs Are More Important Than People Think

  Links:

• https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology
• https://www.fao.org/biotechnology/en/

Tag: GMOs

Commentary:

Genetic engineering in agriculture is used to improve crop yield and make plants more resistant to pests and diseases. This is important for keeping up with food demand as the population grows. It can also reduce the need for pesticides, which can be better for the environment. However, there are still concerns about long term health effects and environmental impact. Some people are also worried about large companies controlling genetically modified seeds. Even with the controversy, GMOs are a big part of modern agriculture and are not going away anytime soon.

Genetics & Longevity

 

Carmine Martino

BIOL-2110-001

Dr. Guy Barbato

April 4th, 2026

    This article talks about a study that looked at how much genetics affect how long people live. The researchers found that genetics may account for about 50% of a person’s lifespan, suggesting that genes play a much larger role than previously understood. To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed large datasets and used newer methods that allowed them to better separate genetic influences from other causes of death, such as external factors. This approach helped provide a clearer estimate of how much genetics actually contribute to lifespan.

    The article also explains that genetics are not the only factor involved, and that other influences still play a role in how long someone lives. This means that even though genetics may account for a large portion, lifespan is not determined by genes alone. Another important point mentioned is that earlier estimates may not have fully captured the impact of genetics, but with improved data and methods, researchers are now able to better understand its role.

    Overall, the study shows that genetics have a significant impact on lifespan, but they are only part of the overall picture. I thought this article was interesting because it changes how people usually think about aging and shows that genetics may matter more than expected, which could lead to more research on longevity in the future.

Article: 

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/longevity-genetics-play-large-role-lifespan-study-rcna256502

Extra Source:

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz1187

Scientists Reverse Type 1 Diabetes in Mice Using a “Blended” Immune System

        A recent study has shown that scientists were able to reverse type 1 diabetes in mice by creating a “blended,” or chimeric, immune system. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, preventing proper regulation of blood sugar levels.

        In this study, researchers combined bone marrow stem cells and insulin-producing islet cells from a donor and transplanted them into mice. This process created a hybrid immune system made up of both donor and recipient cells. As a result, the newly formed immune system no longer attacked the insulin-producing cells and instead recognized them as part of the body.

        One important aspect of this research is that it avoided the need for long-term immunosuppressive drugs. In most transplant treatments, patients must take these drugs to prevent rejection. However, in this case, the mice maintained normal insulin production without ongoing immune suppression, suggesting a more stable, long-term solution.

        This research is significant because it focuses on treating the root cause of type 1 diabetes rather than managing symptoms. Current treatments, such as insulin injections, only help control blood sugar levels. By modifying the immune system, this approach has the potential to provide a long-lasting treatment

        From a genetic perspective, this study highlights how cellular and genetic processes shape the immune system's recognition of “self” and “non-self.” Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for other autoimmune diseases. Although more research is needed, this study represents an important step forward in genetic medicine.

Source: 

https://www.livescience.com/health/scientists-cured-type-1-diabetes-in-mice-by-creating-a-blended-immune-system

Additional Link: 

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Gene-Expression

Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease

  Links:

• https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers

                                                       

Tag: Neurogenetics

Commentary:

Alzheimer’s disease has a strong genetic component, especially in early onset cases. Certain genes can increase the risk, which helps researchers understand who might be more likely to develop the disease. Even though there is still no cure, studying these genetic factors helps explain how the disease progresses in the brain. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and possibly better ways to slow it down. It also shows how complex neurological diseases are. Genetics is giving more insight, but there is still a lot that needs to be figured out.