DNA Roundup: Top 5 DNA Stories & DNA TESTING

May 7, 2013 | AABB DNA Testing | 0 comments

At-home DNA testing kit can trace your past, predict your future

dnastrand
DNA is being used more and more these days to help manage people’s lives and provide for better health. DNA testing allows scientists to predict not only physical traits such as eye and hair color, but also risks for heart disease and cancer. In the last 10 years, technology and DNA testing have allowed us to uncover what causes diseases and how to treat and prevent them. With only some saliva, you can begin uncovering information about your health.

New Rules for Home DNA Tests

New regulations have been published by the UK’s Human Genetics Commission recommending basic standards for companies selling the tests. The DNA testing guidelines cover all aspects of genetic testing including marketing, information and support to customers, consent and data protection. The principal recommendations are:
–       Consumers should be informed and made aware of potential outcomes of DNA testing.
–       DNA tests should only be carried out by accredited laboratories.
–       Hereditary diseases such as breast cancer and Huntingdon’s disease should be provided with the offer of counseling to participants both before and after DNA testing.
–       DNA test samples and genetic information are to be kept secure.
–       Easy to understand information must be provided to customers seeking DNA testing.
–       Limitations of DNA tests should be made clear.
For more information­­­ regarding DNA testing and regulations contact a DNA lab today.

5 cool things DNA testing can do

Map your family tree: a DNA test could present you with thousands of new relatives that you didn’t know existed. Y chromosome/ mtDNA comparison testing can confirm the relationship between two possible relatives.
Solve ancient mysteries: In the case of Richard III, one of England’s most famous Kings, his remains were discovered in a parking lot. Through DNA testing and analysis scientists were able to trace the samples back to the royal blood line.
Distinguish your dog: Understand why your dog looks and acts the way he or she does. Find out where the pets comes from through services like Animal DNA Testing.
Predict the future: Using blood and saliva from parents, scientists can now determine if there are abnormalities that could cause disorders later in the child’s life.
 

­­

Do you have redhead DNA? Test aims to boost pride

Every person in the world with red hair is a direct descendant of the first person ever to have it, a DNA lab in Scotland believes. Contrary to belief about Scottish people and red hair, only 10 percent have red hair, and only 40% carry the redhead gene. The possibilities of having red hair as a child are slim. Since the gene is recessive, both of the parents must carry it. Even then the child still only has a 25%. ScottlandsDNA hopes that the DNA test will make people proud to have red hair.

Koala’s DNA Blueprint sequenced

Down under, the iconic marsupial, the koala, was officially listed as being an endangered species. Recently the koala’s DNA was sequenced in hopes to find cures for koala diseases. Through DNA testing and sequencing, diseases can be better tackled such as Chlamydia that causes infertility and blindness in the koala. With the use of DNA testing people can have a better understanding of disease and preventative measures that are wiping out animals. Australian scientists are calling for a time frame of 3-4 years to completely map the genome if funding can be found.