Genetics: Easy as ABC

Since genetic fingerprinting was discovered 37 years ago, genetics has become a breakthrough tool used in the justice system; from victim identification, to suspect detection, to assisting in prosecution, genetics is an integral part of criminal investigations. But how does forensic genetics work? A copy of our DNA is in almost every single cell of our body, around 30 trillion cells. Throughout the day, you are constantly shedding these cells, essentially leaving a trail of DNA behind you. Although some of our DNA makes up our genes, which act as an instruction manual for the body, there are large sections of DNA, called Short Tandem Repeats (STR), which do not act as instruction for anything at all. Sections of STRs vary in size, and as half of your STRs are inherited from your mum, and half are inherited from your dad, the sections of STR and the length of these sections, varies from person to person. It is these different lengths which tag your DNA as being distinct to you. If two...

For centuries humans have recognised the influence of inheritance, such as breeding two strong and healthy cows to produce similar high-quality offspring. However, the actual scientific research into this type of inheritance, also known as genetics, has only been studied since 1905, making the study of genetics a relatively young science. Since 1905, however, scientific discoveries and advancements in genetics has come on by leaps and bounds. But what happens when most genetic research is carried out only on those with white European ancestry? A common use of genetics in healthcare is to look at variations in a person’s genome to see if they are at an increased risk of developing a certain disease. To look for variations in a genome, there must be a reference database of a ‘bog standard’ genetic blueprint to compare with. There are several different types of databases available, such as the Human Genome Project or Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). To accurately recognise gene...

Have you ever wondered if you’re related to a famous historical figure? Or even why you get flushed cheeks when you drink alcohol, but your best mate doesn’t? With the help of direct-to-consumer genetics, otherwise known as at-home genetic testing, it is now possible to try to answer these questions, and more. Genetic testing looks for changes in your genes, which may be linked to certain trait characteristics or diseases. Ordinarily, genetic testing is only carried out by healthcare professionals, who determine the appropriate test to carry out, collect your DNA, then analyse and interpret results before sharing and explaining the results to the patient. However, advancements in genome sequencing have lowered the cost of genetic testing, and now it is possible for companies to offer private genetic testing, without the input of healthcare professionals. Customers order their tests online and carry out the testing themselves, normally by swabbing the inside of their mouth or spitting...

Day 1: China informs the World Health Organisation (WHO) of an outbreak of a mystery ‘pneumonia’. Day 32: the UK announces its first case of coronavirus. Day 72: the WHO declares the disease a pandemic. 72 days for the world to change forever. But could the susceptibility to and severity of coronavirus be influenced by your genetics? Symptoms of COVID-19 vary and are dependent on several risk factors, such as age and underlying health conditions. Genetics has already played a pivotal role in understanding, tracking, and treating the virus, but more recently, researchers have been studying whether the genetics are another risk factor in making someone more or less likely to develop symptoms, and how severe the symptoms are. Genes are sections of DNA which act as an instruction manual for the body, used to create and maintain every biological process, including the immune system. There is a copy of these genes in almost every single cell in the body. Sometimes, when these cells (with...

Megan Fox, Anthony Joshua, Zoe Saldana, Henry Cavill… all undeniably stereotypically beautiful people. But what makes someone so beautiful? Is it the way they smile? Is it the help of beauty products? Or is it because of their genetics? It is no secret that being stereotypically beautiful has its perks, also known as ‘pretty privilege’. Research has revealed that stereotypically attractive people have been shown to have better jobs, earn more money, and, if arrested, get more lenient sentences in court. The ever-constant striving for beauty has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, to reduce wrinkles, clear blemishes and make our skin glow. But why do we put so much stock in beauty? The evolutionary hypothesis suggests that we are genetically influenced to seek out beautiful people, because it is a sign of genetic superiority, making them the perfect mate. Like some birds carry out mating dances, or how lions fight to assert dominance, humans may be using beauty to determine ...