The Legacy of Asilomar
The 1975 scientific conference laid the ground rules governing the next half century (and counting) of biological research and public scrutiny of it.
Rosalind Franklin’s Methods of Discovery
Franklin’s strategy for analyzing images of DNA molecules forces us to reconsider our definition of “scientific discovery,” argues Michelle G. Gibbons.
The Quiet eDNA Revolution Transforming Conservation
The aquatic monitoring tool has powerful potential.
The Trouble with “Native DNA”
Genetic testing to determine who is Native American is problematic, argues Native American studies scholar Kim TallBear.
The Woman Scholar Who Foresaw the Dangers of DNA Testing
In 2003, Christine Rosen wrote that "[w]e may come to know too much about ourselves to truly live in freedom."
Get Ready For Human-Animal Hybrids
New progress in stem-cell research raises some thorny ethical questions.
How Scientific Is Forensic Science?
We like to think that physical evidence is a foolproof way to lock in a conviction. The problem is that forensic science isn't exactly a science.
Judging Families at the State Fair
"Better Baby Contests" began as part of the Progressive Era push to improve children’s health and reduce infant mortality. Then eugenicists got involved.
Should We Fear Cloning?
Recently, two baby monkeys were cloned—the first time primates have been successfully duplicated. Why are we so afraid of human cloning?