Is it nature or nature? One concept scientists use to describe this balance is "heritability". But there are some nuances to this concept that often cause it to be misinterpreted. Show us what you know about heritability in this week's quiz!

For some, eating a doughnut every morning is a recipe for heart attack. Certain genetic factors are also associated with developing cardiovascular disease. But lifestyle choices can impact the effect of genetics on risk. A new study suggests that eating a prudent diet -- high in raw fruits and vegetables -- can counteract the effect of one of the most well-established genetic risk factors for coronary heart disease.

British researchers have identified four new genetic variants that may influence a male’s risk for testicular cancer.   These results, published recently in the journal Nature Genetics, along with variations...

We all know people struggling with weight issues. Maybe they’re overweight and can’t seem to lose the pounds no matter what new diet or exercise regime they try. Or, maybe...

It’s no secret that obesity rates are rising — quickly.   Between 2000 and 2005 the prevalence of obesity rose by 24%.   Extreme cases increased by more than 50%....

SNPwatch gives you the latest news about research linking various traits and conditions to individual genetic variations. These studies are exciting because they offer a glimpse into how genetics may...

Type 1 diabetes is on the rise in European children, says a new report. Researchers studied type 1 diabetes data collected between 1989 and 2003 at 20 centers in 17...

A good diet and plenty of exercise are important for maintaining a healthy weight, but they’re not the whole story. Studies have shown that there’s a substantial genetic component to...