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
Ancient hunter-gatherer DNA linked to higher BMI in modern Japanese people
A new study suggests that the DNA some modern Japanese people have inherited from ancient hunter-gatherers may increase BMI.
1 gene may explain 30 mysterious medical conditions
While investigating a rare developmental disorder, researchers ended up discovering a spectrum of conditions that are all linked to one gene.
Natural selection is unfolding right now in these remote villages in Nepal
Physiological traits that help Tibetan women survive at high altitudes are being selected for within the population, meaning they may be becoming more common, new research hints.
How forensic DNA analysis can falsely link people to crime scenes
Researchers have found that forensic "DNA mixture analysis" is less accurate for certain groups of people with lower genetic diversity, which could falsely link them to crime scenes.
Parents who have this gene may be more likely to have a girl
A large new analysis suggests that some people carry genetic variants that make them more likely to have female than male offspring.
Melatonin disruption tied to early-onset osteoporosis, new study suggests
A genetic analysis suggests that rare cases of early onset osteoporosis may be partly caused by disruptions to the function of the hormone melatonin.
50,000 'knots' scattered throughout our DNA control gene activity
The mapping of 50,000 mysterious "knots" in the human genome may someday lead to the development of new cancer drugs, researchers say.
CRISPR could soon be used to edit fetal DNA — are we ready?
Medical anthropologist and bioethicist Julia Brown says scientists and nonscientists need to talk about whether and how we should use CRISPR to edit the fetal genome.
