Studies The Scientist covered this year illustrate the expanding importance of genetic and genomic research in all aspects of life science, from ecology to medicine.

Certain stretches of DNA that regulate gene expression have evolved differently from protein-coding genes.

Enhancers, short regions of DNA that direct gene expression, of species separated by 700 million years of evolution worked interchangeably, according to a new study.

Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 to screen for noncoding elements in the human genome.

A chromatin remodeler in embryonic stem cells clears the DNA for mRNA transcription while stifling the expression of noncoding transcripts.

Researchers identify a human DNA element that spurs neurogenesis and brain growth when placed in mice.

A new full-genome map indicates how DNA is folded within the nuclei of human cells.

The recent discovery of super-enhancers may offer new drug targets for a range of diseases.

Scientists have recently discovered that enhancers are often transcribed into RNAs. But they’re still not sure what, if anything, these eRNAs do.

Consortium annotates the human genome with cell type-specific information about transcription start sites, active enhancers, and their expression throughout the body.

Researchers show that genetic enhancer elements likely contribute to face shape in mice.