Human Genome Project

human genome project maze mouse and cheese

The Human Genome Project is one of the most impressive and extensive research projects in the history of science. Although the project received a good deal of press upon completion, few people understand the scope and intent of the project.   So what is the Human Genome Project and what was its purpose? The goals of the Human Genome Project were to identify every human gene and to map the three billion... Read more >

What is DNA?

what is dna double helix

What is DNA? Most people understand that DNA carries information we inherit from our parents. The corkscrew shape of DNA is seen in DNA models in science classrooms across the world. But few people really know the reason behind DNA’s peculiar structure or how DNA encodes our hereditary traits.   DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid. Each human egg and sperm carries within it three billion DNA... Read more >

Testing DNA

testing dna biosampling robot

When we think of DNA testing services, we often draw upon our memories of it in the latest CSI episode or on paternity tests in talk shows. We hear reports of paternity DNA testing in the news, and find references to ancestry DNA testing on genealogy Web sites. Prenatal DNA testing is now used regularly to screen unborn children for hereditary disorders.   It seems difficult to believe that a cotton swab... Read more >

DNA and Privacy

dna and privacy concealing hands

The American database has more than 3 million DNA samples filed and it continues to grow rapidly. As the database grows, so too have Americans’ fears about DNA and privacy. Many people fear that recording and storing DNA samples in a national database violates the Fourth Amendment. Others argue that a DNA database is an effective law enforcement tool. Whatever the case, the issue of privacy and DNA has become a... Read more >

National DNA Database

national dna database USA in blue lights

What is the national DNA database? A national DNA database stores genetic samples taken from individuals of a particular country. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) contains all the genetic instructions for living organisms. Each individual has a unique DNA signature.   Law enforcement professionals can use a DNA database to solve crimes by matching DNA evidence from crime scenes with stored DNA samples. These... Read more >

Genographic Project

genographic project cave painting patagonia

Most of us have wondered about our ancient origins. Perhaps we had ancestors who lived in Africa, Asia or the Middle East thousands of years ago. Until recently, there was no way to retrace the steps of those who walked the earth so long ago. The good news is that we have been carrying the history of our ancestors within us all along, in our DNA.   The National Geographic Society Genographic Project aims... Read more >

Testing Considerations

dna testing considerations hand with vial

As DNA testing becomes more cost-efficient and accessible, more people have begun to utilize it as a tool to diagnose health issues, confirm paternity and plan families, among other uses.   Currently, DNA testing is most commonly used for: disease family planning forensics genealogy newborn screening paternity prenatal screening. Within these broad categories, each individual has his or her... Read more >

DNA Fingerprinting

dna fingerprinting thumbprint

DNA genetic fingerprinting is an identifying method popularly used in forensics, medicine and paternity testing. With the latest advances in DNA testing accuracy, experts can pinpoint the "uniqueness" of an individual's makeup. Understanding Genetic Fingerprinting How does genetic fingerprinting work? Every individual has a particular DNA structure, which is as unique as an actual fingerprint. These genetic... Read more >

Forensics DNA Testing

FHX forensic dna testing matching southern blot chart

The use of DNA fingerprinting to solve crimes began in Leicester, England, in 1987, where the technique had been discovered three years earlier. Since then, its use has become widespread.   These days, many national and international databases include the DNA of known or suspected criminals and DNA is used for identification within some of the military services. So what is genetic fingerprinting and how... Read more >

Possible Moral Issues

moral issues x chromosome

DNA testing is one of the best ways to solve questions of human identity. Also known as genetic fingerprinting, the tests examine a person's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is made up of four nucleotides (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine). These combine in base pairs to form our DNA strands.   More than 99 per cent of our DNA is identical to that of other people. However, some 0.1 per cent is... Read more >

Ancestry DNA Testing

ancestry dna testing old photo family

Ancestry DNA testing has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Individuals seek out DNA genetic testing for a variety of reasons. Some wish to reconnect with long-lost ancestors. Others want to find out if they're linked to any famous or historical figures. And some wish to fill gaps in their family history or locate living family members they may not have known otherwise.   However, some... Read more >

Health and Genetics

health and genetics muscled man

How many times have you seen someone look at a newborn baby and coo, "Oh, he has his mother's eyes?" Or heard a musician brag that she gets her artistic streak from her father's side of the family?   We know that we inherit certain traits from our parents, thanks to the passing along of DNA in the genetic code. Unfortunately, we also inherit genetic disorders, which can cause a multitude of health... Read more >

Genetics and Aging

genetics and aging grandmother and grandson

Genetics and aging are closely related, because human aging begins on a cellular level. Human cells can only divide and replicate so many times. Science has established that the length of human life, and the number of times cells can divide and replicate, seems to be predetermined. In other words, our lifespan is in many ways determined by the genes we inherit from parents, grandparents and ancestors... Read more >

DNA Compatibility

compatibility and attraction couple toasting

Is compatibility with your partner affected by your genes? Do you like your partner because you are a good DNA match? With recent developments in DNA testing technology, more people are turning to genetics for answers to these and other questions. Some researchers claim that genetic compatibility tests can be used to predict not only sexual compatibility, but also the likelihood of infidelity. Research in DNA... Read more >

Genetic Research

ongoing genetic research researcher in mask

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in organisms. Research in genetics usually is performed within a subset of organisms and not across all organisms. Genetic research is performed on humans, plants and animals. Many scientists study gene regulation and genetic influences on development and cancer. History of Genetics Gregor Mendel was the first to study the process of inheritance in the... Read more >