Exploring an important link between DNA and hearing loss

Alone, they’re silent—mere waves passing energy between objects. But when these waves are funneled into your inner ear, that energy is transformed into sound. In essence, communication is pretty simple: all you need is the...

Tracing human development with chickens: Mary Logan Reddick

One becomes two, two becomes four, and before long, there are trillions of cells. It’s an awe-inspiring process to see an animal progress through embryonic development—cells dividing, moving, and morphing in what looks to be...

The women who make Helix science possible

In the past, we’ve shared stories of some truly remarkable scientists: C.C. Li, a population geneticist who inspired a generation of scientists after defying the Chinese communist party and continuing to teach mendelian genetics; Dr....

3 ways to celebrate American Heart Month with Helix

When Ötzi the iceman was laid to rest 5,000 years ago, he likely wasn’t aware of his developing heart condition. Though he was an active individual who lived without the temptations of our modern diet,...

Treating Harlem: Dr. May Edward Chinn

“It is almost as if the [cancer] became the target of all the frustration and anger Dr. Chinn felt at the racial and sexual discrimination she encountered in her own life and in those of...

Try this delicious gluten-free cookie recipe, a Helix staff pick

Exciting news, Helix fans: new insights have been added to Wellness Basics, the introductory DNA-powered app from Lose It! that you can access from right inside the Helix app. For a limited time, Helix customers...

The genetic bonds we share with a tiny, annoying bug

Flitting above the counter, hovering atop some overripe fruit, is a cloud of fruit flies. They’re hard to see, measuring in at just 0.004 meters long—or 500 times smaller than the average human. Like their...