DNA Diagnostics Center Discovers Rare Chimera Paternity Case

DNA science, DNA test, Paternity TestBy tlewis October 27, 2015

DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) was recently involved with a unique paternity case where the alleged father proved to be a chimera. A chimera is an individual whose tissues contain cells from a sibling due to a mixing of cells during gestation. Physical clues are often present, in the form of two-toned, patchy skin tones. If…

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Oct192015

“It’s in our DNA!”

DNA science, Genetics, HUman GenomeBy tlewis October 19, 2015

If a company had DNA, that is. When corporate leaders say “It’s in our DNA”, they’re really saying “It’s in the fabric, in the make-up of this company.” We hear it in commercials and in slogans. It’s almost always described as a positive, although we know our DNA carries both the good and the not so…

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Oct132015

Smart Diets Based on DNA Testing

DNA science, DNA test, GeneticsBy tlewis October 13, 2015

The field of study that can lead to smart diets based on DNA testing, and the unique DNA in each of us, is rapidly gaining momentum. Study’s have shown that we can be much smarter about the food we eat based on how our bodies process and metabolize food. That said, the facts are in front of…

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Oct52015

Understanding DNA In 10 Minutes

DNA science, DNA test, Genetics, HUman GenomeBy tlewis October 5, 2015

DNA is now a common term, but do we really know much about it? What story it tells about each of us? Understanding DNA in 10 minutes might be a challenge, but Tom Ireland of Focus University has boiled it down for a quick read. Since 1953 when Watson and Crick declared “We have discovered…

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Sep272015

Celebrity Paternity Testing Around the World

DNA test, Paternity, Paternity TestBy tlewis September 27, 2015

Here in America, we are bombarded with celebrity news, and it grows with today’s technologies like Twitter. “Baby Daddy” news always grabs the headlines, and celebs continue to find ways to have babies leading to “[insert star here] Demands Paternity Test!” But the U.S. doesn’t have a lock on celebrity paternity testing—here are the top…

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Sep212015

Finding A Lost Identity — With DNA Testing

DNA science, DNA STR Profiling, DNA testBy tlewis September 21, 2015

In Jacksonville, Florida, a man was beaten and left for dead outside a Burger King in 2004, according to WJXT. For the last 11 years, he’s been wandering through life without any idea of who he is. It took time, detective work, and DNA testing, and now finally he is in touch with his real…

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Sep142015

New Study Uses DNA Testing for Ancient Ancestry

DNA science, DNA Test for AncestryBy tlewis September 14, 2015

DNA testing has provided answers for all kinds of human relationships, and in some cases, helps us understand our ancestry. While this new study presented by geneticists may not affect your family tree, it challenges what experts study and debate about the evolution of Neanderthal to Homo sapiens. DNA analysis of 430,000-year-old bones discovered the Sima de…

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Sep72015

Finding Loved Ones with the Help of DNA

DNA relationship, grandparent dnaBy tlewis September 7, 2015

With the help of DNA testing, relatives can be found using many different testing techniques. Grandparents can find grandchildren. Adoptive parents can find children. Loved ones can use many tools to search for and find who they think could be relatives—court documents, hospital records, etc. But the reunion may not be cause for celebration until…

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Aug312015

Are Mouth Swabs Effective for Collecting DNA?

DNA science, DNA test, Forensic DNA Testing, PaternityBy tlewis August 31, 2015

Yes! Mouth swabs are not only effective for collecting DNA, they are the standard for many applications, including paternity testing, forensic testing, and many kinds of DNA identification. The cells collected from the mouth, preferably cheek cells, slough off in great quantity, and can be stored very easily. If you’re in your 40’s, you might…

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Aug242015

DNA: The Hard Drive of the Future?

DNA science, UncategorizedBy tlewis August 24, 2015

DNA – The Hard Drive of the Future? Last week in Boston, a team of scientists presented findings to the American Chemical Society (ASC). The concept of storing large amounts of data in a small space, and having that vessel be preserved for thousands of years, seems challenging. Until you think about how the cells…

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