A phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism that result from the interaction between its genotype (genetic makeup) and the environment. It encompasses an organism's ...

AMES, Iowa – Let’s say plant scientists want to develop new lines of corn that will better tolerate long stretches of hot, dry weather. How can they precisely assess the performance of those new ...

It is well known that genes are the instruction book for life. They determine whether we are born with blue eyes, brown hair or a predisposition to certain diseases. However, our genetic makeup is ...

Hydrangeas demonstrate the importance of phenomics and the powerful influence that the environment has on organisms. The flowers are blue when grown in soil that is acidic but pink when they are grown ...

Northwestern University biophysicists have developed a new computational tool for identifying gene combinations underlying complex illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Unlike single-gene ...

Rare genetic traits are features that are uncommon within the general population. They can lead to different observable features or to rare physical abilities. Rare genetic traits are typically ...

The field of sheep breeding has witnessed significant advancements in the understanding and application of genetic parameters to enhance economically important traits such as growth, wool quality, ...

Autism is classified as a 'spectrum' for a reason: Each case is different. Scientists have struggled to parse through the many ways autism can manifest, much less to link these varying observable ...

An analysis of more than 5,000 individuals with autism reveals four distinct groups that link autism-related traits with underlying genetics. The work could lead to more precise diagnoses and ...