DNA
Fingerprinting (Microsoft Encarta Online entry)
A concise definition of DNA Fingerprinting from the Microsoft
Encarta Online encyclopedia.
How scientists
and forensic experts use technology to analyze evidence from crime
scenes
From the University of Wisconsin’s Why Files, an article
about forensic science, and why DNA testing has become the main
tool of lawyers and entomologists alike.
Use of DNA in Identification
Included in the MIT Biology Hypertextbook, an excerpt from a talk
given by noted DNA researcher Dr. Eric S. Lander at the "Winding
Your Way through DNA" symposium, which took place at the
University of California San Francisco in 1992.
Cloning 101
The ability to create a clone used to be science fiction. Dr.
Ian Wilmut's group changed that in 1997 with the creation of Dolly
the sheep. Since then the debate on applying the technique to
clone human beings has been ongoing.
Based on all the discussion, it may sound like cloning, human
or otherwise, is an easy process. Find out what is actually involved
in the cloning process by viewing our short animation.
Stems of Controversy
Unless you have cut yourself off from all media, you have heard
the term "stem cells" in the news quite a lot recently.
Embryonic stem cells have the potential to become any cell in
the body. Research using these cells may eventually lead to therapies
that replace damaged cells and help people with Alzheimer disease,
spinal cord injuries, heart disease, and other conditions. Embryonic
stem cells were isolated two years ago, and scientists are still
working to uncover their secrets. Find out how these cell lines
are generated in this short animation.
The Emergence
of Modern Humans
The "stones and bones" of archeology have been complemented
with DNA analysis. In addition to fossils and other artifacts,
scientists use mitochondrial DNA to work out the evolutionary
history and migration patterns of modern humans.
Find out how this is done in the Mitochondrial Control Region
section of our Genetic Origins web site. After you learn the theory
behind mitochondrial DNA analysis, click the Media/Animation link
to see an interview with Dr. Svante Paabo, the scientist who successfully
isolated Neandertal DNA. Then, use what you've learned to solve
the Mystery of the Neandertal and the Mystery of the Romanovs.
Your
Genes, Your Health
Introducing our new web site!
Your Genes, Your Health is a multimedia guide to human genetic
disorders. It uses animations and videos to provide innovative
explanations of genetic disorders affecting millions of people
worldwide. The first featured disorder is Fragile X Syndrome,
the most common inherited cause of mental impairment. This web
site is an ongoing project and additional disorders will be added
to this site on a regular basis.
Great Experiments
The Human Genome has been sequenced and the results have been
published (February 15th). What now? Find out how scientists are
using the data from the human genome project to figure out what
the genes actually do. Learn about "gene targetting"
in concept 41 of
DNA from the Beginning
