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The American Association of Blood Banks reports that laboratories perform over 300,000 paternity tests annually. This equates to laboratories receiving over 900,000 samples every year. The simplicity and relatively low cost of undergoing the tests account for the ever-increasing numbers of DNA tests performed.

Reasons for Paternity Testing

One of the most common reasons that individuals undergo a paternity test is to show proof of the identity for a biological father. Occasionally, a former female partner can confront a man claiming that he fathered the child through a brief intimate relationship. Men may suspect their female significant other of adultery and request a DNA paternity test in an attempt at determining the true heritage of a child. Similarly, grandparents may suspect promiscuity occurred and desire to verify their relationship to a child. Following the death of a parent, young adults may discover that the parent may not have had a biological tie and desire to learn their identity.

DNA Sample Collection Process

Anyone in need of DNA testing can order one to three test kits from a certified laboratory. Samples required for acquiring genetic material entails swabbing the inside of the cheek with a device that appears similar to a large cotton swab. Individuals then insert swabs into each individual container with the necessary information and send the kit back to the lab.

Depending on the facility, laboratories complete tests within one to six weeks. Individuals typically receive the test results by mail. If a court determination depends on the results of the test, they must purchase legally binding tests which require notarized signatures of the people chosen to serve as the witness or witnesses during the swabbing process.

FatherandBaby Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?

Distinguishing between Two Possible Fathers

Samples obtained from the mother, child and more than one man provide more than enough genetic information for proving the paternity of either man with 99.99 percent accuracy. When a test on two related men is required, test results may exhibit lower numbers compared to tests of two unrelated men. If the men are twins, there is no possibility of accurately identifying the father.

The DNA Testing Process

Each child receives 23 chromosomes from their mother and 23 chromosomes from their father. Each cell contains a combination of these chromosomes for a total of 23 chromosomes. DNA tests analyze the chromosomes of the mother, the chromosomes of the father and compare these sequences with samples obtained from the child.

The accuracy of the testing process varies between laboratories. Some only identify DNA using five chromosomal markers while others use 16. The more markers identified and used for comparison increases the accuracy of identification. Each parent contributes these 16 markers to the child. The DNA of the parent in question must have all 16 markers. Technicians then compare these markers with a large database for any other possible matches. Using the general population as a guide, the results indicate the probability that a particular man contributed the DNA found in the child.

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how to find out your racial background

Whether you’ve ever wanted to know your ancestry or you are an adopted child wanting to get out and meet your real parents, lineage DNA testing can help you find what you are looking for. Knowing who your family is important, it affects your life and who you are. Unfortunately, in an ever complicated world, it can be difficult to know who your father, mother or even siblings are. Lineage DNA tests are the easiest way to find out who your family is and where you come from. Best of all, most if not all lineage DNA tests can be ordered online and taken in the privacy of your home. All you have to do is mail in samples or bring them to a collection clinic and wait for your results.
Ancestral Origins DNA Testing – An ancestral origins DNA test will take your sample of DNA and compare it to hundreds and thousands of other DNA samples to determine who you are related to and where you came from. Ancestral origins DNA tests can tell you your geo-genetical history including racial background and likely regional background. You can use this DNA test to determine where in the world you came from. Even if you think you know this, you may be surprised.

Maternity DNA Testing – Whether you’re an adopted child, grew up without your mother or simply need to prove maternity, maternity DNA testing can help. The test can be done from home and mailed in for results in as fast as five days!

Missing Parent DNA Testing – Many people who have a missing parent or would like to prove their biological heritage without asking one of their parents for samples can use the missing parent DNA test. This test involves taking DNA samples from one parent and grandparents as well as the child to create a DNA profile or map that is then used to determine the DNA and therefore the identity of the missing parent.

Male/Female Lineage DNA Testing – It is very common for one man or one woman to have children with multiple partners. In some cases, it can be hard to prove lineage due to a complicated relationship. These two tests can be used to ascertain whether a sibling is a full brother or sister, half brother or sister or not related at all. Tests include the male lineage testing which tests for male relationships in men which uses the Y-STR gene, and female lineage DNA testing which tests for female relationships using the X-SV gene which is passed down from the mother. Doctors can create a profile using these genes to determine family relationships of almost any kind.

If you know who your family is, then you know who you are. Today’s lineage DNA tests are affordable, fast and most importantly, accurate.

prinzessin diana reitlehrer

Revolutionary Paternity Test Finds Father, Only 8 Weeks into Pregnancy 
One of the major problems that has plagued modern society is the fact that men don’t always know for a fact whether a child is biologically theirs or not. Thanks to the power of science we are now able to get accurate paternity results fast. Very fast. This revolution in paternity testing technology promises to leave an impact on the lives of both parents and children forever.
Noninvasive

In addition to the speed and accuracy of the test, one of the factors that really makes it stand out from the rest is the fact that it involves a simple, noninvasive procedure. For those who are squeamish about being poked and prodded with various sharp objects and medical equipment, you’ll be happy to hear that this new test only requires two blood samples: one from the mother, and one from the prospective father. In fact, doctors may not even need to be involved at all, adding new levels of convenience and privacy for all parties involved.

Accuracy

Paternity tests from reputable DNA labs are carried out using the most advanced technology; this enables them to provide you with quick results and levels of accuracy as high as 99.9999%.

The Impact on Genetics Research
One of the most amazing things about this new paternity test is the potential it has to improve human genetic research. With a simple blood sample from the mother and a saliva sample from the father, this method also allows a fetus’ genome to be decoded. This could vastly expand testing for various genetic factors before a child is even born, giving us a greater insight into how to improve genetics research and practically apply it.

Cause and Effect

In addition to the impact this test could have on genetic research there are also other consequences it could have as well. For one thing, many potential fathers tend to avoid wanting anything to do with a child if they are unsure it belongs to them or not. This is due in large part to the fact that they don’t’ want to get attached to a child only to find out that it isn’t theirs. This test can help solve this issue as it is both extremely accurate and it can be done in as little as 8 weeks into the pregnancy. This could increase the number of fathers who support their children.
 Another effect that could arise from this new test is an increase and/or decrease in abortions. Some speculate that women who find out that their baby isn’t from the desired father will be more likely to abort their fetus. On the other hand, women who are raped but find out the fetus’ father isn’t the rapist may be more likely to keep the child.

Conclusion

Ultimately this new test is set to revolutionize the process of paternity testing and may even have a huge impact on human genome testing. The good news is that if you are in need of a fast, accurate, and affordable paternity testing Easy DNA Testing UK has got what you need. For more information on how they can give you the peace of mind you need for you and your child, visit Easy DNA.

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fake dna test results

Why DNA Testing is So Effective: You Can’t Fake Genetics

Before DNA testing, many things were left up in the air. It was difficult to prove a crime  and know, without a doubt, the individual committed it. It was difficult to prove the father of a child, if it was in doubt, and it was difficult to trace a family tree, outside of possible records that pointed in certain directions. However, since the advent of DNA testing, everything has been made easier. Of course, for decades, DNA testing was only used by crime scene investigators and other government agencies looking to prove or disprove a point. This is now different, as it is possible for individuals to perform an at-home DNA test. Should you need to know certain information about an individual, it is possible to have the DNA tested. You just need their permission. Then, you’ll receive the information back, informing you that without a doubt, you’ll have the answer you are looking for.
In a paternity case, where the father is not known, a DNA test is incredibly helpful to determine this. Before, it was rather difficult to point towards the father correctly, if it was unknown. However, now with DNA testing, second guessing is a thing of the past. During a DNA test, there are 15 genetic markers that must match between the father and the child. If all 15 do not match, the child is not the son or daughter of the man. And, the results are something you can hang your cap on, as it is 99.999 percent accurate so if it comes back positive or negative, you can rest assured it is correct.
It’s wise to locate a genetic testing lab that is AABB accredited, as this is a seal of approval that shows the testing is going to be performed by individuals who will not tamper with the results and do everything in their power to ensure accuracy. The testing facility does both legal and non-legal testing, should you have a DNA sample from an individual that you want to test for fatherhood, but is refusing to give you the DNA sample. This way, you can always know and not have to beat around the bush. Legal DNA testing is always very important in court cases dealing with paternity and child support issues.
When it comes to determining the fatherhood of a child, it is important to conduct a DNA test. The DNA test has a 99.999 percent accuracy rate, so you don’t have to worry about the results being off or wrong. This way, you can always rest assured and know, without a doubt, that whatever you are having tested is going to answer the question you have. This way, you don’t have to wonder.

And that’s the power of DNA testing.

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does jay z have a son

Are the rumors true?!

The world was shocked and excited when Beyonce announced her pregnancy last month at the MTV Video Music Awards; Jay-Z & Beyonce are going to be parents for the first time …or are they?!

The music world is spinning right now with rumors of Jay-Z’s secret love child. Sources say that Jay-Z secretly fathered a child nine years ago with Shenelle Scott, a video model he was sleeping with her at the time she got pregnant. The only thing missing is verifiable DNA evidence.

According to the NY Daily News:

Jerald Andrews, a man who once thought he was the boy’s grandfather, told Star Magazine that DNA tests proved definitively that Jay-Z was the dad of the now 9-year-old tyke.

But when contacted Wednesday by The Daily News, Andrews, 67, denied having any first-hand knowledge there was a DNA test.

To further prove his point, Andrews went on to proclaim that the boy looks nothing like Malik Andrews, the boys’ supposed father.

Other sources say that the Jay-Z gave Shenelle Scott $1 million to “keep her mouth shut” and that the rapper also pays for child support.

Do you believe the rumors?  Jay-Z already have a child?

nmachi ihegboro 2012

Genetics is not so Black and White – is it?


Giving birth is an exciting time for parents. It’s always interesting to guess what the baby will look like and which parent’s genes will dominate in the baby’s genetic make-up.  Some dominant genes, like brown eyes, increase the odds that a couple will reproduce a baby with darker eyes; however one couple residing in London, England experienced a surprise that far surpasses finding out your baby’s eye color is not what you expected.

How is this possible?

Ben and Angela Ihegboro, a Nigerian couple living in London, gave birth to a baby girl this year.  Little Nmachi is a beautiful baby, but this infant, unlike her sibling stands out (ironically) as the black sheep of her family. Nmachi was born to her black family with blonde hair, blue eyes and very light skin.  Doctors are weighing out three possibilities for Nmachi’s shocking genetic makeup.

• Dormant, dominant Caucasian genes from a long ago interracial offspring
• A genetic mutation
• Albinism, which is common in parts of Africa

Although any of the above three are possible, doctors seem to be focusing on Albinism predominantly as its statistics show that it is actually common in Nmachi’s parents native continent.  If Nmachi has Albinism, she will have potential vision problems and will experience extreme sensitivity towards the sun; two very common effects of the rare disease. Luckily, Nmachi and her family reside in London, so opposed to the abundance of sun she would have experienced in Africa, she should be a bit safer as London doesn’t see many sunny days.
If Albinism is weighed out or if Nmachi’s parents want to search for the link in their family’s DNA, there is always DNA testing. Comprehensive DNA testing can help the Ihegboro’s figure out where the link in their family tree perhaps reveals a similar case. Digging deep into family history may not be easy, but it sure is useful in helping to discover your origins and perhaps in helping reveal family information that can help answer troubling or perplexed questions like the one surrounding Nmachi’s incredible story.
Have you heard about Nmachi’s story or one similar to her case? Share your comments with us!

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Swiss Tourist Gang Raped in India

A 39-year-old woman was gang raped by four men while camping with her husband in the India Datia district forest. The couple had been on a cycling tour, which had started on February third. The husband was beaten, robbed and tied to a tree. Six men were involved, but two overpowered the husband, while the other four men raped the woman. They stole a laptop and 10,000 rupees, which is the equivalent to $185 American dollars. The woman was in shock and hospitalized.
The men all came from the village of Jharia, and each confessed to the crime. The trial began on March 30th. There are some unusual laws and events regarding this case, which include:

• Confessions are not admissible in court
• Confessions can be retracted
• Twenty people have been detained for questioning
• The Swiss ambassador to India has spoken with the couple, offering his support, and pushed for a speedy trial/justice.

In this case the senior law enforcement officials have adequate forensic evidence to convict the men. They claim their scientific evidence collected at the scene is more than adequate to prove the charges. The authorities collected vaginal swabs, samples of hair and fingerprints. They are also submitting a 100-page charge sheet to the court without a test identification parade by the accused as it was too dark for the victim to recognize her attackers. The laptop and money was found and returned to the owners.
Earlier this year, a 23-year-old woman was gang raped on a New Delhi bus and later died, which sparked outrage throughout India, hence their new implemented laws. India has recently passed the toughest anti-rape laws in their history due to the increase in rapes against women.
The minimum sentence for gang rape ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison, and perpetrators can get sentences for life imprisonment as well. In addition, India has issued a travel notice that warns people about the “increasing number of rapes and other sexual offenses.” One of the prisoners was found dead in prison, and it is unclear as to whether he committed suicide or if he was murdered.

Forensic evidence is tested by labs like the Genetic Testing Laboratories, Inc., which is a fully accredited laboratory. This laboratory uses the most advanced technology available. They offer a large variety of tests with a guarantee of accuracy. The tests include:

• DNA Paternity testing, maternity DNA testing, Siblingship testing, Grandparent testing and more.
• DNA Predisposition Testing is available, which reveals genetic predisposition to specific diseases.
• Ancestral origin DNA testing that is compared to hundreds of global populations
• Naturalization Service/Department of human Services uses GTL labs for immigration services.

This laboratory is accredited by numerous facilities, including the American Association of Blood Banks, the National Association of Testing Authorities, Safe Harbor, International Accreditation Forum (ISO) and A2LA, which is the largest multi-discipline laboratory accreditation system in the United States that is recognized by the European Union.
Fingerprints and other DNA evidence play a major role in trials today. It is more reliable than an eye witness as the results are accurate and provide validation.

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redhead

One of the largest international sperm banks in Denmark, Cryos International, has released a statement turning away sperm donations from redheaded sperm donors. Unfortunately Cryos explains that the supply is currently exceeding the demand.

According to the Cryos agency director, Ole Schou, the long waiting list of redheaded candidates accompanied with their current supply of 140,000 doses of sperm from redheads creates a situation where, “Our stock is about to explode.”

“There are too many redheads in relation to demand. I do not think you chose a redhead, unless the partner — for example, the sterile male — has red hair, or because the lone woman has a preference for redheads. And that’s perhaps not so many, especially in the latter case,” Schou also stated.

Because Cryos International supplies to 65 countries all over the world, sperm donors with genetic characteristics that are unwanted will cause a suspension in donations. Redheads are not alone in this; Schou explained that the bank is also not taking donations from non-brown-eyed Scandinavians.
It must be shocking to find out that your genetic makeup is currently “unwanted.” Redheads should not take this too hard; there are sperm banks all over the world who are announcing they are glad and willing to take donations from redheaded donors. There is also still a high demand for redheads in Ireland.
Parents who are choosing less traditional ways of reproduction, for whatever reason, now have the ability to pick and choose the DNA of their child. For this reason the most desirable sperm comes from educated athletes or musicians.
Who can forget the vanity in the world we live in? As much as skills and intelligence comes into play, looks take precedence as well. Unfortunately the demand for Cryos leans away from redheads. Cryos explains that the demand in Europe is for brown hair, brown eyed men.
Cryos also wants to represent the other countries outside of Europe that they supply to.

“Our function in society is to have all races and all ethnicities. Our problem is that we have too many Scandinavians only,” Schou added.

If you think about it most people want their children to look like them and because redheads are rarer in society, the likelihood that the demand would reflect that is high.
How do you think this will affect redheads of the future? Just four percent of the world’s population carries the red-hair gene. The ginger gene is recessive and gets diluted when DNA is combined with more dominant genes like brown-hair.
To learn more about testing your own DNA, visit GTL DNA Testing.

lisa brennan-jobs

Though the renowned entrepreneur and tech genius, Steve Jobs, led a guarded personal life, it had been no secret that he was adopted. Steve Jobs had a dramatic biological family background, with a less than traditional relationship with that part of his past. In 1955 Steve Jobs was born and immediately put up for adoption. Years later he would experience a similar situation when his high school sweetheart would give birth a baby girl that Jobs would remain estranged from for many years.

It is hard to believe that a man who dropped out of college to pursue spiritual enlightenment with a pilgrimage to India would actually deny what he probably always knew. On May 17, 1978 his then high school girlfriend gave birth to his daughter Lisa. For two years Jobs denied paternity and refused to accept his responsibilities as a father.

Going back to his past, Steve’s own biological father played that same role, abandoning his family. Shortly after Steve Jobs was put up for adoption, his biological parents actually ended up marrying and having a daughter. But shortly after Steve’s sister was born in 1962, his father, Abdulfattah “John” Jandali, left his family and filed for divorce.

Maybe it was Steve’s own issues with his own family history that caused him to react the way he did towards his daughter Lisa. Finally in 1986 Jobs acknowledged paternity for Lisa and the father and daughter were able to start building a relationship.

Though Steve Jobs went as far as swearing in court that he was “sterile and infertile, and as a result thereof, did not have the physical capacity to procreate a child.” Around the time of Lisa’s birth, an Apple computer was actually named the Apple Lisa computer. Jobs claimed that it had nothing to do with his daughter and that the name came from the acronym “Local Integrated Software Architecture.” Only Steve Jobs will ever really know the truth.

Reconnecting with estranged biological parents or even learning that you are adopted can take a serious toll on the psyche. That feeling of not knowing where you come from, yearning for a deeper understanding of your “self” can truly consume someone. Along with those feelings is the depressing idea that you are unwanted.

About 107,000 children are adopted on average every year. If you are ever unsure about your genetic background, adopted or not, knowing about your past is important, visit GTL DNA for affordable tests you can complete at home.

ted bundy crime scene photos

A lost vial of Ted Bundy’s blood was recently found at the Tallahassee Crime Lab, the blood was collected in 1978 when Bundy was taken into custody for the murder of a 12-year old local girl. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be adding the DNA for the serial killer into the national FBI database and will possibly be closing many cold case murders.

bundywanted 20 Years Later Serial Killer Ted Bundy’s DNA Added to FBI Database, May Close Unsolved MurdersTed Bundy is one of the most infamous serial killers in America’s history. Bundy went on an abduction, rape, torture, and murder rampage across five states in the 1970s. The serial killer is also an admitted necrophiliac and known sociopath.

Bundy was sentenced to the death penalty and got the electric chair in 1989 before the advent of DNA evidence in forensic science. After his hair and a bite marks on a victim’s buttock were matched to evidence found at crime scenes, Bundy was finally caught and convicted.

Though he was only convicted on three murders, he later confessed to murdering over 20 more girls before his execution. Many girls were left unidentified but Bundy did admit to many crimes where the police had him as the lead suspect.

During his incarceration and his wait on death row, he spoke closely with FBI Special Agent, William Hagmaier. He explained to Agent Hagmaier that his early murders were more impulsive and that he truly became a predator around the time of Lynda Healy’s murder in 1974.Though he never admitted to murders before 1974, that statement implies that he did kill before. This new DNA evidence can open the doors to many other undocumented murders by Bundy.

Published estimates of how many homicides Bundy actually committed go as high as 100 or more. In an interview with biographer Hugh Aynesworth that for every publicized murder, of which there were 30, there “could be one that was not.” This implies yet again that there are many other murders that he did not admit to.

Since his DNA was put in the FBI database, there is already a cold case that is being reopened. The murder of Ann Marie Burr, an 8-year old girl in Tacoma, Washington where Bundy spent his adolescent years. If Bundy’s new DNA evidence connects him to this murder, this will make Burr his first documented victim.

 Do you think that if DNA profiling had been prevalent during Bundy’s murder spree, things would have been different?

medical examiner trayvon martin clothes damp ammonia odor

Human Error to Blame in Forensic Evidence Arrestadam scott innocent 300x200 Man wrongly charged with rape after DNA evidence tray was re used by forensics

Human error in the lab caused Adam Scott to be held in jail for six months after his arrest on October 23, 2011, the UK report stated. Scott, residing in Devon, was charged with raping a woman in Plant Hill Park, Blackley and immediately taken into custody. As in any rape case, Scott was required to submit a blood test to determine if his DNA matched with what was recovered from the victim.

Unfortunately, the tech at LGS Forensics in Manchester that was performing the lab analysis re-used the plastic tray that the sample on. This is a routine test, says the LGS, but they admitted that there was a similar mistake made earlier that same year, while also determining the DNA of an individual.

Accidents Could Convict Innocent Citizens

Mr. Scott was held in custody for “only” six months, until March 7, 2012. If the contaminated specimen had been used, Scott could have been convicted and held in prison, which would have been completely unfair. Andrew Rennison, the Forensic Science Regulator stated “It is unlikely that the case against Mr. Scott would ever have proceeded to trial and, in the absence of any further evidence, the case would probably have been discontinued.”

The technicians who were working in the lab did not adhere to the strict guidelines. The proper procedures were not used in destroying the plastic trays that were used to hold the samples and the result was contamination. As you would expect, there is a validated DNA extraction process that was ignored or not followed precisely, the trays were not labeled, and the records were not kept properly.

Man Wrongly Charged is Freed

What compounded the errors made was that LGC refused to reconsider their work and the chance that contamination could have possibly occurred. The investigating officer questioned the dependability of the DNA profile, and this refusal caused an innocent man to be held in custody even longer.

The UK Accreditation Service, UKAS, did not revoke the accreditation from LGS Forensics, but they required the agency to put “a number of mandatory improvement actions” into operation, to prevent this type of error from happening in the future.

LGS stated that they treat any error seriously and deeply regretted the contamination that occurred. The incident was closely monitored by the Forensic Regulator and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, and both of these national agencies were satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. They expressed their satisfaction with the corrective measures that LGS made their protection against further contamination and the high standards that were instituted.

Looking at this incident with an international eye, Mr. Rennison had been warned previously by the Forensic Science Service, FSS, which represents the UK in international issues. With the threat of England’s reputation on the line, he asked police in every town in the UK to assist him in regulating standards in all the laboratories to prevent other tests from falling beneath the standards.

cornelius marion released

Cornelius Dupree Jr. was just 19 years old when he was sentenced to 75 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Last week, after serving 30 years in prison for the rape and robbery of a Texas woman, Dupree was finally exonerated of the crime- thanks to a DNA test that proved he was innocent all along.

The 51 year old Texan served in prison from 1979 to 2010, when he was released on parole. He could have reduced his sentence, on two separate occasions, by admitting that he was a sex offender. However, Dupree adamantly claimed innocence, recently stating, “Whatever your truth is, you have to stick with it”.

After wrongfully serving 30 years in prison, Cornelius Dupree is the longest-serving inmate in Texas to have been exonerated by DNA evidence and, according to the Innocence Project, only two other people in U.S. history have wrongfully spent more time in prison, only to later be exonerated by DNA evidence. “It’s a great tribute to Cornelius and his spirit that he was able to fight this long and this hard to win his freedom,” said Dupree’s attorney, Barry Scheck, co-director of the Innocence Project.

Yahoo reports that the state of Texas  has freed 41 wrongfully convicted prisoner since 2001 through DNA testing and evidence- which is more than any other state in the nation. But the high number of misconvicted inmates being exonerated only occurred because police officials in Texas preserved the DNA evidence, which eventually freed Cornelius Dupree JR. and 40 other Texas prisoners. Wade Goodwyn of NPR reports, “Dallas has so many exonerations not because it was more egregiously unjust than other counties in Texas, but because unlike other jurisdictions, Dallas County kept the DNA evidence refrigerated and stored for decades. That’s what saved these men.”

Cornelius Dupree Jr. has is currently unsure how to feel about all of this. “I must admit there is a bit of anger, but there is also joy, and the joy overrides the anger,” he stated. I’m just so overwhelmed with the joy of being free.” And free he is, at last.

nmachi ihegboro update 2012

With the ever improving science we are facing, celebrities may have a reason to take careful precautions when it comes to who has access to their DNA. With so many of them dealing with crazed fans that will go to any length to be as close to them as possible, and the black market selling every piece of them possible, it seems they have good reason to be more careful than most.

Madonna is one of the most famous entertainers of our time. She sings, she dances, she acts, she directs, and she writes. Her fan base is spread world-wide and encompasses all walks of life. Many people don’t take things to the extreme and become obsessed with her, but there are times it happens. In those extreme cases, it can be because of mental illness, extreme obsession and even worse, for profit. It is quite possible for a celebrity to be exploited using just a single hair strand to carry out DNA testing for many reasons.

4207490449 28e0a349f5 Madonna Prevents DNA Theft...Is She Just Paranoid?

It is possible to complete a DNA profile on someone using discarded tissues, used glasses and coffee cups, smoked cigarettes, combs/brushes or even a toothbrush. All that is needed to complete DNA tests on Madonna or anyone else is a strand of hair, saliva or skin cells. Once one of these items are collected, all a person needs to do is contact a DNA testing company to have them do the testing. It is currently not considered a crime to do this to anyone, no matter who they are. It can be done quickly and can be kept very private.

In the case of Madonna, she goes to great lengths to keep her DNA under wraps. She employs a sanitizing crew to completely rid her dressing rooms of her DNA. Before concerts, once her dressing room is prepared and ready for her to use, only members of her entourage are allowed to even look at the room until the sanitizing team has cleaned it after her show!

If someone were to get a hold of her DNA, they could easily find out her genetic profile. The information could be used to sell to collectors. It could be used to frame her for a crime. It could also be used to learn more about her medical information and genealogy, which may be something she doesn’t necessarily want other people to know. In the most extreme case, in the near future, her DNA could even be used to make a clone of her!

Granted, the clone making technology is still under development, but within a few years, it is a very real possibility! Suffice it to say, DNA testing is a very powerful tool. It could be used for good or for bad. It is understandable why someone like Madonna would be so careful with it.

gtl meaning

Every Thursday night, millions of viewers gather around their television sets for a little GTL (gym, tan, laundry).  This famous acronym appropriately highlights the ritualistic behaviors of a Guido or Guidette. This Guido/Guidette lifestyle is so accurately portrayed through the cast members who make up MTV’s hit show, The Jersey Shore.snooki Italian 185x300 GTL on GTL: Is Snooki Really Italian?

These Guidos and Guidettes get their stereotypical titles from the word ‘Guido’ which once held the meaning of a younger lower class or working class urban Italian-American. This term has since transformed into a word describing a tan-obsessed, muscle-head who pumps his or her fists at the night clubs in the epicenter of their world, New Jersey.

One of the most infamous Guidettes on the Jersey Shore is Nicole Polizzi, a.k.a Snooki.  This 4’9 Guidette has got the look and attitude, but there is speculation as to whether she really is a TRUE Guidette or not.

Shockingly, Nicole Polizzi, Snooki, “The Ultimate Guidette” is in fact NOT Italian and even more shocking is that she is also adopted! Her adoptive parents are Italian, but Snooki herself is Chilean. It’s easy to think that ALL of the cast members are full-bloodied, first generation Italians; however, this is not the case! As seen with Snooki, there are actually other cast members who would fail this true “Guido test.”

Perhaps it’s time for the REAL GTL team to come in and perform some Ancestral Origins DNA testing on the entire cast, so that viewers are no longer fooled.

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A secret that Oprah’s Mother hid from her for almost 50 years has been exposed and proven to be true. It is finally confirmed, thanks to GTL (Genetic Testing Laboratories), that Oprah has a 47-year-old half sister named Patricia.  Surprisingly, her new found family has only lived only 90 minutes from Oprah’s home in Chigaco this whole time! The results for this “bombshell family secret” that were shown on national TV were courtesy of GTL’s test results.

According to ABC News Oprah was in shock when she found out how close the two had actually lived to each other all this time. “Imagine my shock just a few months ago, at the end of October, when I found out I have another sister living just 90 minutes away,” said Winfrey, 57.
abc oprah sister patricia 110124 main ms Oprahs Family Secret Revealed Thanks to GTL!

"Oprah and her sister reunite!"

Oprah, who is known for her talk show where she reunites families, connects people around the world, gives to numerous charities, and ultimately does well for society received a little surprise herself thanks to Genetic Testing Laboratories. Once Oprah found out the truth about her family and that she did have a sibling that her mother had never told her about there was much rejoicing. The talk show star was reported to have said this, “The Oprah Show has reunited a lot of people – I thought I’d seen it all. But this, my friends, is the miracle of all miracles. This time I’m the one being reunited.” Not only has Oprah gained a half sister, but Patricia’s children, Aquarius and Andre are now part of the family as well.

GTL siblings test has help Oprah expand her family and has brought new people and joy to her life. Now she has much to look forward too when she finally gets acquainted with her new found family!

Powered by Article Dashboard forensic science fingerprinting

Like fingerprints, DNA remains unique to each individual and never changes. For this reason, DNA testing serves as an invaluable tool for law enforcement officers and the nation’s courts. Once only obtainable through blood samples, Genetic Testing Laboratories and other facilities now have the ability of extracting DNA from less invasive locations that include hair, skin cells or from the cells obtained by swabbing along the cheeks inside the mouth. In 1994, a Federal law enabled law enforcement to establish a national DNA database on felons. Local, state and federal agencies also submit information that all levels of law enforcement share as a tool for solving crimes. However, court systems remain in disagreement as to the appropriate time law enforcement officers might obtain DNA samples without invading a suspect’s right to privacy. The conflict arose secondary to a Maryland case involving convicted rapist Alonzo King.

Law enforcement arrested King as a rape suspect. The state attempted getting a conviction based on DNA samples obtained when officers arrested King three years prior for assault. King’s attorney argued that the court should not allow the evidence because the action infringed upon the suspect’s Fourth Amendment rights. The court convicted King of rape in 2003. Members of the Maryland Court of Appeals agree that merely arresting someone does not grant law enforcement the right to invade privacy by obtaining a DNA sample. The sample obtained after King’s initial arrest was not required for identification and the process carries a higher degree of personal invasion compared to fingerprinting.

chief justice john roberts Court to Review DNA Collection LawState officials requested Supreme Court ruling on the matter. Law enforcement fear losing a vital crime-fighting tool and do not recognize the difference between obtaining fingerprints or DNA information. Chief Justice Roberts agrees with the current statute arguing that samples obtained from suspects arrested for violent crimes aids law enforcement with unsolved cases. The evidence helps eliminate violent criminals from society. Roberts believes that removing this tool from the hands of law enforcement causes more harm than good. Preventing officers from submitting DNA information into a state database also affects the national database and the opportunity for solving crimes in other states or by the F.B.I. The current Maryland law expires at the closing of 2013. The U.S. Supreme Court will make a final determination on the matter by June 2013.

Private citizens also have the option of submitting samples for DNA testing. Having a personal DNA profile helps track or identify individuals in the event that they become the subject of a missing person’s case because of abduction or natural disaster. Samples sent to GTL for DNA testing also serve as evidence for other legal matters that include paternity suits.

Using samples obtained from a child and a suspected parent, laboratories determine the probability of biological relationship by identifying specific, common markers in the DNA of both individuals. Consumers might also desire knowing the geographical location of ancestral origins, which DNA testing provides. Once costing hundreds of dollars, laboratories now perform modern, private DNA tests that ensure accurate results at a fraction of the cost.

forensics and mithocondria

There’s good news for folks who like a tender, tasty steak every day. Scientists have been studying cattle genes to determine which make the most tender and flavorful meat, which is probably something you won’t mind if you like sinking your teeth into a perfectly-cooked piece of beef. After determining which genes make our mouths the happiest, researches from the National Agronomic Research Institute in Theix, France have devised a chip, known as GENOTEND, that analyzes cow DNA for the genes that result in a tender slice of beef.

Some say the proof is in the pudding, but the pudding in question is beef. After locating the cows that are scientifically the best tasting, scientists put the results to a test using human tasters, of course. Expert taste testers agreed with the results of the DNA test completely, which should be proof enough for even the staunchest critic.

Before now, the professionals have taken a bit of a guess at which cow will produce the best meat, and the risk hasn’t always paid off. Some people might be getting excited about the idea of breeding the perfect cow based on taste alone, but this will not be the case, at least yet. The DNA-inspecting chip is inserted during a point at which it is too late to breed the tastiest cows. Perhaps science will be able to change this in the future, but you’ll have to wait for science to make those strides.

The field of DNA testing for taste has other progress to make. The scientists involved are intent on finding a way to make the chip work in a wider variety of situations. The testing chip works only with specific breeds, for instance. All of the testing also occurred on male specimens from the Charolais breed. While the scientists tested both bulls and steers successfully, there’s no gene testing that works with females cows at this point.

It’s unlikely that this discovery will lead to direct genetic modification, which is not currently practiced. After some attempts to modify livestock in 1990s to promote milk creation and reduce fat, the tested subjects became more likely to become infected with diseases while simultaneously experiencing difficulties in reproduction. We’re sure that folks from PETA and the crunchy types who dislike genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, will find fault with this type of research and where it will potentially lead.

Genetic modification may not be as far in the future as some people will guess. Some manufacturers are waiting for an FDA approval of modified salmon for sale in the United States.Other GMO experiments have occurred, but no milk, meat or eggs sold in the USA has from a modified animal.

Still, we’re sure that hungry shoppers will eventually be able to head to the grocery store and purchase meet based on those very results, rather than other factors such as hanging time. A day might come when you don’t have to worry about your steak being too tough.

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DNA testing isn’t only for humans anymore. In recent years, DNA testing has been used to help dogs, plants and now, even ocean life. Worldwide, populations of coral and the thousands of species that live in their reefs are suffering the effects of climate change. Fortunately, enterprising scientists believe that DNA testing might be able to help.

Off the coast of Queensland, Australia, stretching an astonishing 133,000 square miles over the floor of great barrier reef dna 300x225 How DNA testing Can Help Barrier Reefsthe Coral Sea, lies the Great Barrier Reef. It is the single biggest structure made of living organisms in the world, and this marvel of the ocean is visible from space.

Coral is made up of billions of tiny organisms called coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef, a network of coral reefs and about 900 islands, is made up of over four hundred species of coral forming nearly 3,000 individual reefs. In addition to the coral, the Great Barrier Reef is teeming with sea life. Dolphins, whales, sea snakes, thousands of fish, sea turtles and even salt water crocodiles call the Reef home. Nearly a thousand species of coral-dwelling orgasms like anemones live symbiotically with the coral formations as well.

Sadly, the Reef is being devastated by climate change and pollution. In October 2012, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that the Reef has lost more than half its coral cover since 1985. Coral is extremely sensitive to changes in salinity and temperature. Even minute shifts can destroy coral populations. Climate change is warming ocean water globally, and the melting of the polar ice caps is changing the ocean’s salinity. These changes are triggering mass coral death, called coral bleaching, in the Great Barrier Reef.

A group of scientists fighting to find ways to help the Reef are hoping an answer than be found in coral DNA. Just as human DNA can vary from region to region, so can the DNA of specific coral species. Many identical species of coral live in both the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea in the Middle East. Compared to the Reef, the conditions in the Red Sea are extreme. The coral there withstands much warmer, saltier waters than their Australian cousins.

Scientists are hoping to identify and understand the areas of genetic code that affect a coral’s ability to adapt to change. They are also looking to discern which species are more resilient and why. Using this research, they can devise targeted conservation efforts and prioritize those corals that are more vulnerable.

Recent research is showing that simple conservation efforts will not be enough to protect the dwindling coral populations in the Great Barrier Reef. Saving the reef will require a full scale restoration effort of an ecosystem in turmoil. Unless action is taken, the coral population could halve again in the next decade. Hopefully, with the help of DNA testing, scientists may just be able to reverse the damage.

dna electrophoresis testing caylee anthony

The sheriff’s department in Orange County now claims local investigators missed evidence found on the Anthony family computer that may have altered the outcome of the Casey Anthony case. After confiscating the computer, officers found over one dozen unusual search entries found in the history files of Internet Explorer. According to the prosecution, someone in the household conducted web searches for:

• Chloroform
• How to make chloroform
• Chest trauma
• Internal bleedingNeck breaking

Prosecution Missed Gruesome Firefox SearchHaving a lack of DNA evidence, investigators relied on a trail of digital and physical findings for formulating a case against Casey Anthony. Supposed new evidence indicates that someone in the home performed a search using the Firefox browser for “fool proof suffocation.” The search occurred on the last known day of little Caylee’s life. Anthony’s attorney, Jose Baez claims this information is not new. The attorney released a book last summer, describing the trial in detail and acknowledges that defense investigators found the search entries. Baez claims that George Anthony performed the search with suicidal ideations, as the next history entry discovered involved an article referring to poisoning and self-imposed suffocation using a plastic bag.

Local Orange County television news anchor Tony Pipitone read Baez’ book.

His curiosity grew as to why this history did not emerge during the trial. Members of the prosecutor’s office claimed they were unaware of the information. Perhaps detectives performed a limited search of the Firefox history and merely missed the entry. The extent of the Firefox history may have appeared too daunting, which led to only searching the Internet Explorer files. Representatives from both the sheriff’s and the prosecutor’s offices believe that local law enforcement learned a valuable lesson in not acquiring assistance from federal investigators.

Defense and Prosecution Continue Verbal Sparring

Baez does not believe that the prosecution lacked knowledge of the information. He continued that any and all possible resources of evidence remained available to both teams. The defense team expected full disclosure of the evidence by the State Attorney’s Office during the trial. The attorney believes the state buried the information because previous witness testimony reportedly established that Casey was not present in the house at the time of the search. The prosecution denies this theory and adds that following the entry for the suffocation search, someone spent time on a MySpace page. That someone was Casey Anthony.

The state contends that after re-examining the entries in comparison with timelines, George Anthony was working at the time of the Internet inquiries. Whether or not possessing this information might have influenced the jury into arriving at a different conclusion remains unknown. Unaware of the subject of the suffocation inquisition, the prosecution insisted that Caylee suffered chloroform poisoning and probable suffocation from having her face covered with duct tape. Prolonged decomposition made cause of death determination impossible. Using maternal and grandparent identification through DNA testing, forensic specialists successfully identified the remains of Caylee Anthony.

Justin Bieber Takes a DNA Test to Prove He is Not the Father of 3-Month Old Tristyn

Earlier this month, we wrote an article on Justin Bieber being accused of fathering a 3-month old baby after one of his performances. Bieber’s representatives have since denied allegations that the 17-year-old Canadian pop-star has had sexual intercourse with the accuser, Mariah Yeater. As the war intensifies, sources have learned that Justin Bieber has taken a DNA test at a private facility in New Jersey last Friday. According to RadarOnline, a source had this to say:

Justin took a DNA test on Friday night. The whole process lasted less than 10 minutes. It’s an extremely reputable facility, and there are surveillance cameras everywhere to ensure tests are done with integrity and can’t be compromised. Justin’s test should be processed and completed by the end of the week. It’s time for Mariah to put up or shut up, and submit the baby to a test.

The Power of a DNA test

The news that Justin Bieber would gladly take a paternity test to prove he is not the father of Mariah Yeater’s baby has caused Yeater and her legal team to drop the paternity suit altogether. In fact, Yeater’s original legal team has parted ways with her after the dropped action. However, Yeater will allow her baby to undergo DNA testing to see if there is indeed any match to Bieber’s DNA. Confident that he is not the father, Bieber’s team announced their intentions to sue Yeater for defamation of character after the test comes back negative:

We’ll vigorously pursue all available legal remedies to protect Justin and to hold those involved with bringing this suit accountable for their actions.

Although Bieber has taken a DNA test, Yeater’s legal team is claiming that it was done incorrectly due to the fact that a witness from Yeater’s team was not present, and therefore could not verify the legitimacy of the test. But as we wait for the results of Bieber and baby Tristyn’s DNA tests, the facts seem to suggest that Justin Bieber is NOT the father:

•  Justin Bieber willingly took a DNA test to prove he is not the father.
• Mariah Yeater dropped her paternity suit against Justin Bieber.
• Mariah Yeater asked friends to delete incriminating text messages.
• Mariah Yeater’s first legal team dropped her stating that she was fabricating her stories.
• Mariah Yeater accused her ex-boyfriend of being the father of the baby a year before the Justin Bieber accusation came forth.

Is there yet another side of the story? Is Justin Bieber the father or is Mariah Yeater making everything up in order to get rich quick? We will find out soon enough when the results come back. Until then, keep checking our DNA Testing blog for updates on this story as well as other news in the World of DNA.