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

The human Y chromosome has finally been fully sequenced, 20 years after the 1st draft
By Emily Cooke published
One of the smallest chromosomes in humans, the male sex chromosome is the final one to be fully sequenced.

Nearly 170 genes determine hair, skin and eye color, CRISPR study reveals
By Stephanie Pappas published
Black hair? Green eyes? More than 160 genes determine your coloration, and their interactions are incredibly complicated.

Scientists 'remote-controlled' designer human cells implanted in mice using only DC currents
By Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta published
Using off-the-shelf consumer batteries, scientists stimulated insulin release from engineered human cells implanted in diabetic mice and restored the rodents' normal blood sugar levels.

Siblings rapidly lost their body fat in infancy due to rare, newly described gene mutation
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Doctors found a novel gene mutation in two siblings with the same rare disorder.

Gene-therapy drops restore teen's vision after genetic disease left his eyes clouded with scars
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A teen with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, or "butterfly disease," was legally blind but has now had his sight restored with gene therapy.

Meet 'Fanzor,' the 1st CRISPR-like system found in complex life
By Amanda Heidt published
Scientists discovered Fanzor proteins, which work like CRISPR but are smaller and more easily delivered into cells, and used them to edit human DNA.

What is the maximum number of biological parents an organism can have?
By Meg Duff published
Most organisms have two parents, but not all. Could an individual have three parents, or even more?

Mysterious 'Viking disease' linked to Neanderthal DNA
By Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta published
A new study finds that the key genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's disease, a crippling hand disorder, are derived from Neanderthals.
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