Discover Genetics

Congratulations to our winners and thank you all for participating. Happy DNA Day! Thank you for making this another successful year! We received many submissions from students in 45 U.S. states, and 24 non-U.S. countries, including Turkey, Canada, and India, which had the highest number of submissions outside of the U.S. We would also like... Read More

1st Place Sophia Chen Lakeside School Teacher: Dr. Devin Parry Location: Seattle, Washington The familial nature of genetic information causes an ethical dilemma regarding the disclosure of such knowledge to biological relatives when a family member is diagnosed with a hereditary disease. One typical example is Huntington’s disease (HD), an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion... Read More

Impact of Genetics on Health and Disease It is estimated that 3-7% of the general population will be diagnosed with a recognized genetic disorder. This does not include common disorders such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and psychiatric disorders. All diseases or medical conditions have a genetic component (except trauma). Understanding how variations in an... Read More

Tests for Genetic Diseases There are many different tests available for genetic diseases. Some people use direct-to-consumer testing to see whether they are at risk for certain genetic diseases. Genetic testing is also available through a genetic specialist or your primary care physician. In the medical setting, your doctor will first determine if you would... Read More

Your family history holds key information about your past and clues to your future health. Many of your physical traits, such as eye color, hair color, and height are inherited. So, too, are risks for certain genetic conditions and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. You may have noticed that some... Read More