DNA and Genes
Genes are the blueprints of life. Genes control everything from hair color to blood sugar by telling cells which proteins to make, how much, when, and where. Genes exist in most cells. Inside a cell is a long strand of the chemical DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A DNA sequence is a specific lineup of chemical base pairs along its strand. The part of DNA that determines what protein to produce and when, is called a gene.
First established in 1985 by Sir Alec Jeffreys, DNA testing has become an increasingly popular method of identification and research. The applications of DNA testing, or DNA fingerprinting within forensic science is often what most people think of when they hear the phrase. Popularized by television and cinema, using DNA to match blood, hair or saliva to criminals is one purpose of testing DNA. It is also frequently used for other benefits, like wildlife studies, paternity testing, body identification, and in studies pertaining to human dispersion.While most aspects of DNA are identical in samples from all human beings, concentrating on identifying patterns called microsatellites reveals qualities specific and unique to the individual. During the early stages of this science, a DNA test was performed using an analysis called restriction fragment length polymorphism. Because this process was extremely time consuming and required a great deal of DNA, new methods like polymerase chain reaction and amplified fragment length polymorphism have been employed.The benefits of DNA testing are ample. In 1987, Colin Pitchfork became the first criminal to be caught as a result of DNA testing. The information provided with DNA tests has also helped wrongfully incarcerated people like Gary Dotson and Dennis Halstead reclaim their freedom.
Latest about Genetics
PTSD tied to 95 'risk hotspots' in the genome
By Jennifer Zieba published
In a group effort, scientists from all over the world came together to create a detailed map of the genetic causes behind PTSD.
'You probably didn't inherit any DNA from Charlemagne': What it means when your DNA 'matches' a historic person's
By Harald Ringbauer, Shai Carmi published
A genetic match to an ancient person doesn't mean you're more related genealogically.
Protein in human sweat may protect some people against Lyme disease
By Rebecca Sohn published
A mutant gene that produces proteins in sweat may raise some people's risk of Lyme disease, while the standard version of the gene may protect against infection.
Scientists just discovered a new way cells control their genes — it's called 'backtracking'
By Sahana Sitaraman published
Scientists have discovered that, when a DNA-reading enzyme moves backwards along a gene, it may do so to help control when the gene is turned on.
Why don't people have tails?
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
Scientists recently found that a so-called jumping gene may have jumped ship millions of years ago, and taken our tails with it.
We finally know why humans don't have tails
By Jennifer Zieba published
Researchers discover a potential genetic connection between humans' tail loss and a type of birth defect.
4 genes' activity could be key to faster appendicitis diagnosis
By Emily Cooke published
An analysis of children's gene activity suggests that more severe forms of appendicitis can be distinguished from milder cases based on the activity of four genes.
More than 275 million never-before-seen gene variants uncovered in US population
By Emily Cooke published
The newly uncovered gene variants were identified as part of an analysis of the DNA of more than 400,000 people in the U.S. who agreed to participate in the All of Us Research Program.
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