Discover Genetics

Over 99% of all DNA sequences are identical among all people. The small percentage that is different helps make each person unique. Those small differences explain why some people have blue eyes and others have brown eyes. They explain why some people are colorblind while others can differentiate between turquoise and cerulean. Variation and diversity... Read More

DNA: The Body’s Instruction Manual Humans and all other living things have DNA, which contains hereditary information. The information in your DNA gives your cells instructions for producing proteins. Proteins drive important body functions, like digesting food, building cells, and moving your muscles. Your DNA is the most unique and identifying factor about you—it helps... Read More

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 43 U.S. states and 22 non-US countries, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia. We would also like to thank the ASHG members who participated in judging the... Read More

1st Place  Diane Zhang Fox Lane High School Teacher: Ms. Stephanie Peborde Location: Bedford, NY Recent advancements in genetic technologies, specifically the ability for scientists to sequence the genome, have made analyzing DNA easier, faster, and more cost-effective. This in addition to the rising number of consumer companies that directly provide genetic testing through genotyping or... Read More

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 40 U.S. states and 21 foreign countries, including Colombia, Ukraine, and Singapore. We would also like to thank the over 500 ASHG members who participated in judging... Read More