Characteristics passed between generations are not decided solely by DNA, but can be brought about by other material in cells, new research shows. Scientists studied proteins found in cells, known as histones, which are not part of the genetic code, but act as spools around which DNA is wound. Histones are known to control whether or not genes are switched on. Researchers found that naturally occurring changes to these proteins, which affect how they control genes, can be sustained from one generation to the next and so influence which traits are passed on. The finding demonstrates for the first time that DNA is not solely responsible for how characteristics are inherited. It paves the way for research into how and when this method of inheritance occurs in nature, and if it is linked to particular traits or health conditions. It may also inform research into whether changes to the histone proteins that are caused by environmental conditions -- such as stress or diet -- can influence the function of genes passed on to offspring. The research confirms a long-held expectation among scientists that genes could be controlled across generations by such changes. However, it remains to be seen how common … Continue reading →

Ancestry.com can now build a family tree from using a person's DNA to find relatives from centuries past. The new test, launched as Ancestry DNA, will allow users of the website to submit their DNA for $99, which will then be compared to other users in hopes of finding more links and common ancestors. "This is the biggest advancement in family history since we introduced our Hint feature, the Ancestry shaky leaf, which scours billions of historical records to automatically find new information about your family," Tim Sullivan, CEO of Ancestry, said in a statement. "Now, through a simple DNA test, AncestryDNA is fundamentally revolutionizing the way to discover your family history, transforming the experience by making it faster and easier to go further into your family's past, and instantly discover new ancestors you never knew you had." The more people who submit their DNA, the bigger the database and the more information can be collected about family heritage. It is addressing privacy concerns as well -- especially in regards to medical history discovered through the DNA test. "The FDA will have a lot to say about how you can communicate health discoveries to users, and of course you'll also … Continue reading →

Published: Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 06:05 PM. Anyone who has watched a crime show knows that in TV-land, DNA is collected and processed within a neat and tidy one hour show. Unfortunately, in the real world, with backlogs at most state labs and more and more cases coming in, the process isnt nearly as fast. Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokesperson Samantha Andrews said that the average turnaround for the state labs is 79 days. However, that is just the average and some cases can take longer. Walton County Sheriffs Office has made the decision to look to use a private lab accepted by FDLE as a supplement to the state lab. They do the best they can, said WCSO Chief Deputy AJ Smith of the state lab. What were looking to do is just have another avenue. Andrews said that FDLE does have private labs that they have approved and will outsource DNA evidence to. Those labs can be used to supplement the state labs for a fee. FDLE has six state-operated labs around the state, with the nearest in Pensacola. Because of the high demand, they are not accepting touch DNA on non-violent crime cases, like burglaries. … Continue reading →

A new Wisconsin law now requires police to collect a DNA sample from people arrested for a violent felony, even though they have not yet been convicted. DNA samples can be a the key to cracking otherwise unsolvable cases. "DNA solves a lot of crimes. I fully believe we need to collect all this DNA and get it in the system," Captain Steve Anderson with the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department said. The new procedure requires officers to collect the DNA and send it into the Department of Justice in Madison to be in entered into a database. "It's more work for us. We've never collected DNA in the past and we have to come up with policy and procedure for collecting this DNA," Anderson said. He said he is certain his staff will have no trouble adjusting. As for the public, he said he's not so sure. "There'll be questions because it's something new. It's something we haven't done before. There will be questions. I'm sure," Anderson said. La Crosse attorney Cheryl Gill said for some people it may be considered an invasion of privacy. "Let's say that you are arrested for a violent felony, they collect the DNA, … Continue reading →