Dossier
genetic mutation
Coverage of genetic mutation in the Nexus archive.
- Sperm donors need limits, says a European fertility group
A European fertility group advocates for international limits on sperm donors due to concerns over donor-conceived individuals discovering large numbers of siblings and genetic risks. Cases like a Dutch donor who fathered 550-600 children and a Danish donor whose genetic mutation caused cancer in offspring highlight these issues.
- Scientists discover gene that helps the brain repair itself
Scientists discovered a genetic mutation in high-altitude animals like yaks and Tibetan antelopes that helps repair the myelin sheath, a critical nerve coating damaged in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral paralysis. This mutation, which aids survival in low-oxygen environments, could lead to new treatments for nerve damage in humans.