Discover Genetics

Genetics and Age-related Macular Degeneration

What is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an acquired disease of the macula characterized by progressive visual impairment because of late-onset neurodegeneration of the photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelial complex. AMD is a disease of the retina which accounts for 8.7% of blindness worldwide and is the leading cause of visual impairment in […]

How Does Our DNA Contribute To Diabetes

In the previous post, we explored how our genes could influence the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Did you know that there are many other diseases and conditions that are affected by our DNA as well? What is Diabetes Diabetes occurs when your system is not able to transport glucose out of the blood stream […]

Introduction to Genetics and DNA

Recently, we spoke to Dr Ng Zhi Xiang about how our genes may be responsible for certain diseases. With more than 10 years of experience in research, Dr Ng is an expert in linking genetics to diseases. From our conversation with Dr Ng, it seems obvious that genetics are indeed responsible for many of the […]

Why Are We Not As Hairy As Chewbacca?

What differentiates us from Chewbacca the Wookie? Other than the fact that Chewbacca is a fictional character, we might not have been that different from the Wookies. Long ago, before we evolved, some scientists theorised that humans used to have more hair on our body than we do now. Why do we have lesser hair […]

Will My DNA Mutate After Organ Transplant?

Are you still 100% you after receiving an organ transplant? In this day and age, the healthcare system has been advancing rapidly and organ transplants are becoming more common. We know that DNA can be found in all cells in our body and every cell in our body holds the same DNA. So the question […]