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Genetics

The bright colors of a variety of citrus fruits, including lemons, limes and other tart fruits fill the foreground of the image. The background includes white lines of the DNA double helix.

Earth

The Genetic Reasons Why Citrus Fruits Taste So Sour

Scientists identify two genes behind plant cell pumps that produce sourness -- and variation in flower color.

Charles Q. Choi, Contributor

Field of red poppies by the seaside

Creature

Unraveling the Genetic Mysteries of the Opium Poppy

For the first time, scientists have sequenced the poppy genome -- and found some curious genetics at work.

Katharine Gammon, Contributor

Human

BRIEF: People Mailed 16,000 Ticks to Track Lyme Disease and Other Illnesses

A citizen science initiative reveals new insights about the spread of tick-borne infections.

Tracy Staedter, Contributor

Creature

Genetic 'Fossils' Solve Mystery of Descended Testicles

Elephants and other mammals that lost their scrotums offer a peek at the genitals of our common ancestor.

Nala Rogers, Staff Writer

Human

The Link Between Gray Hair and Viral Infections

Mice gene research reveals connection between hair color and immune response.

James Gaines, Contributor

Human

BRIEF: Migraines May be a Side Effect of Adapting to the Cold

A genetic variant linked to cold sensation and migraine headaches may have helped people survive in northern climates.

Nala Rogers, Staff Writer

Creature

Consider the Cockroach

Chinese researchers solve the complete DNA sequence of the pernicious pest, revealing some of its evolutionary secrets.

Jason Socrates Bardi, Editor

Human

BRIEF: The Virome Project Aims to Prepare Before the Next Pandemic

Scientists want to identify the hundreds of thousands of viruses that could potentially spill over from wildlife into humans.

Benjamin Plackett, Contributor

Creature

Mice in New York Are Likely Evolving to Eat City Food

Genetic study suggests America’s native white-footed mice are adapting their metabolism to conquer the Big Apple.

Nala Rogers, Staff Writer

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