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NYT Daily • August 5, 2025

Good name for a biomedical researcher?

Answer:

GENE

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"This common first name is also a fundamental unit in biology.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the biological context while keeping the wordplay intact, making it easier than the original clue but still requiring some thought."]

Explanation:

The clue "Good name for a biomedical researcher?" leads to the answer "GENE" through a play on words. The explanation lies in the dual meaning of the word "gene." First, a "gene" is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for making proteins, which is a fundamental concept in biomedical research. Second, "Gene" is also a common given name. Therefore, the clue suggests that "Gene" would be a fitting name for someone involved in biomedical research, as it directly relates to their field of study. The wordplay hinges on the double meaning of "gene," making it a clever and appropriate answer to the clue.