Genes

Understanding the genetic material DNA and RNA, heredity, and variation—that's genetics. Studies in genetics focus on questions like:

  • What regulates the activity of genes?
  • How does a single fertilized egg develop into a complete organism with hundreds of different cell types?
  • What can we learn about ourselves by studying organisms​ like bacteria, yeast, and fruit flies?

Follow the links below to learn more about genetics, including recent developments, and read profiles of researchers working in this field.

Booklets

  • The New Genetics
    Explains the role of genes in health and disease, the basics of DNA and its molecular cousin RNA, and new directions in genetic research.
  • Computing Life
    Explores how computing advances are helping scientists uncover new details about diseases, drug treatments and even crimes.
Other resources

Fact Sheets

  • Circadian Rhythms
    Our bodies keep time with the help of 24-hour "circadian" rhythms, which are directed by genes. Get answers to common questions about how these rhythms work and affect our lives. En español.
  • Regeneration
    Regeneration is a natural process that allows plants and animals to replace or restore damaged or missing cells, tissues, organs, and even entire body parts to full function. Learn more about regeneration and its potential uses in medicine.
  • Studying Genes
    We're learning important things about health and disease by studying genes in individuals and populations.
  • Using Model Organisms to Study Health and Disease
    The mustard plant, roundworm and fruit fly have taught us a lot about ourselves. Learn more about why scientists study these and other simple organisms.
All fact sheets

Biomedical Beat Blog

  • How Errors in Divvying Up Chromosomes Lead to Defects in Cells
    During the fundamental process of mitosis, a type of cell division, dividing cells sometimes make errors while divvying up chromosomes. Understanding how this happens may help researchers develop targeted therapies for a variety of diseases, including cancer. Learn more about how NIGMS-funded research is exploring this vital, complex process.
  • Explore Our Virtual Learning STEM Resources
    Did you know that we have free education resources you can use from home to engage students in science? Explore our Science Education Partnership Award program projects and Pathways resources to find STEM learning opportunities for pre-K through grade 12.
  • PECASE Honoree Sohini Ramachandran Studies the Genetic Foundations of Traits in Diverse Populations
    NIGMS grantee and presidential award recipient Sohini Ramachandran, Ph.D., is challenging our understanding of genetic variation among human populations. In our latest blog post, she discusses her research on how the genetic composition of traits and diseases varies among populations, the value of statistical and computational work in human genetics, and what this all means for patient treatment.
  • Quiz Yourself to Grow What You Know About Regeneration
    Do you know which tissues and organs the human body can regenerate? How about which animals can regrow entire limbs? Test your knowledge with the new regeneration and regenerative medicine quiz.
More blog posts

Profiles: Meet a Scientist

More profiles

Quizzes and Puzzles

All quizzes and puzzles​