Genetics is the study of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. It explores how traits are passed from parents to offspring, the molecular structure and function of genes, and how genes interact with the environment to influence an organism's characteristics. Modern genetics focuses on DNA, the chemical substance of genes, and its impact on chemical reactions within cells.
Recent advances in genetics and genomics include the use of patient-derived models like organoids to test the efficacy of medications, expanding precision medicine for equitable access, increasing diversity in genomics research, and developing new technologies to counter antibiotic resistance. For example, a new CRISPR-based technology can disable drug resistance in bacteria. Researchers are also exploring gene therapy and personalized medicine to treat genetic disorders.
Fun fact: Humans share approximately 99.9% of their DNA, and the diversity we see (eye color, height, etc.) is due to the remaining 0.1%. If you stretched out the DNA from just one cell, it would be over two yards long.
