The term “genetic modification,” sometimes called “genetic engineering,” typically refers to when DNA is modified directly, on the molecular level. But that definition is pretty slippery.

How can we study human genetic variation? Humans can also be the focus of population genetics studies, as they too have been subject to the forces of change over long periods of time.

Food companies are welcoming a proposal to exclude gene-edited products from the definition of genetically modified food, but organic producers say it takes away consumers' choice.