What Is DNA?

| January 28, 2023

At DNA Paternity Testing, we talk a lot about DNA! But after high school biology class, genetic code is something we quickly forget about. To understand the importance of protecting your DNA, you have to know what your genetic code is and why it matters. So here’s a brief refresher on DNA and genes.

What Is DNA?

DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA harbors your genetic code, and it is found in every cell in your body. Most of your DNA is located inside your cells’ nuclei.

Information is stored in DNA through a code using four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). A pairs with T and C pairs with G; these are called base pairs.

Each base pair is attached to a sugar molecule and a phosphate molecule, and then arranged into the recognizable double helix.

What Is a Gene?

Genes are made from DNA and pass down hereditary traits. Some genes code for proteins that perform different functions in the body, while others do not.

At conception, the fertilized egg takes on one pair of genes from the mother and one pair of genes from the father. Many factors play into which genes are expressed, such as living environment, diet and nutrition, and toxic exposures.

DNA and genetic sequencing is very complex, and scientists are still studying how genes pass on information. While there is still much to learn about genetic traits, luckily, parentage and ancestry is established and accurate.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information

Glioma Tumor Markers Found in DNA

| January 14, 2023

Gliomas are a formation of cells that grow in the brain or spinal cord. As they grow, they can press on areas of the brain and cause various symptoms. These symptoms depend on the glioma’s location in the brain.

Gliomas are not necessarily cancerous; some gliomas grow slowly and aren’t malignant. However, several gliomas are fast-growing and malignant, taking over healthy brain tissue. Non-malignant and malignant gliomas can affect adults and children, and gliomas can pass from parents to children.

Like every cancer, early detection is key to successful treatment. Late-stage gliomas are usually untreatable, while early detection can mean better and more effective treatment options.

However, gliomas are currently only detected through MRI and biopsy, which are costly, invasive, and potentially dangerous. Scientists must develop a better method to test for gliomas and potentially save thousands of lives.

Now, neurosurgeons at RUDN University have discovered potential glioma markers in DNA. These markers are located in microRNA, which are small sequences of nucleotides.

Genetic testing is an up-and-coming test method. The next step is for RUDN University researchers to conduct research on large samples and acquire data.

There is currently no test for gliomas–but that could change very soon! In the meantime, contact your physician if you have a family history of gliomas and have these symptoms:

  • Headache, particularly in the morning.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Confusion or a decline in brain function.
  • Memory loss.
  • Personality changes or irritability.
  • Vision problems.
  • Speech difficulties.
  • Seizures.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Can DNA Kits Predict Your Death?

 

Should You Submit a DNA Test Kit This Christmas?

| December 24, 2022

If you’re one of the thousands of people to receive a DNA test kit this Christmas, you have an important decision to make.

There are many genetic tests available, such as finding your immediate or distant ancestry, your genetic predispositions to certain health conditions, or what diets might be most effective for your genes.

While these promise fun trivia, there are many considerations to weigh before submitting your genetic code. Here are just a few.

Sacrificing Anonymity

Once you submit your DNA, you lose control over your genetic privacy. The genetic company now owns your genetic information. Many of these companies have stipulations to sell your genetic information to pharmaceutical or health companies.

Putting Your Family at Risk

Additionally, your known (or unknown) relatives gradually lose their privacy. As more people submit their DNA, companies or forensics are able to fill in the blanks to connect relatives to each other. While this may seem like a good thing, the right to privacy is ultimately lost.

Ownership Change

Like any other company, genetic companies are bought, sold, or can go out of business. When this happens, your genetic information can change ownership. There is no guarantee how your DNA will be handled. Even if the original company guaranteed privacy, a new company can sell and exploit your genetic information.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information

Abducted Toddler Reunited With Family 51 Years Later

| December 10, 2022
Perhaps you’ve seen the viral video of the Highsmith family reuniting with their long-lost daughter, Melissa, over Thanksgiving. The family calls it their Christmas miracle.

Melissa Highsmith was just 22 months old when her babysitter abducted her. Melissa’s mother, Alta Apantenco, was a single mother at the time. She was working full-time to provide for herself and Melissa, and Alta needed a babysitter. Alta contacted a babysitter she had never met to watch Melissa, and Alta was at work when the unthinkable happened.

Alta’s roommate answered the door for the babysitter, who took Melissa and disappeared.

Distraught, Alta filed a missing person report with the police, but shockingly, the police stated they hoped whoever had Melissa was taking good care of her. Unfortunately, Melissa reports that she grew up in a very abusive home, and she ran away to “work on the streets” at age fifteen.

Alta and her family never gave up looking for Melissa. Finally, 51 years later, DNA testing led the family back together.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Melissa–who currently goes by Melanie Brown–could hug all her family: her father, mother, and siblings. They are all overwhelmed with joy. Melanie is considering changing her name back to Melissa.

Astoundingly, Melissa grew up just 10 minutes from the apartment where she was taken.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Is My DNA Safe?

Genetics: Why COVID-19 Is Worse for Some

| November 26, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unpredictable from the beginning.

It didn’t take long to notice that some people were more susceptible to the virus than others. While there were many cases in which those with pre-existing conditions were hit hard by the virus, thousands of cases in which seemingly-healthy individuals were deathly ill, and those with pre-existing conditions sailed through unphased.

How is this possible? How could young, healthy individuals be more impacted by the virus than at-risk individuals?

Science is discovering that genetics could be at play. For instance, studies have found:

  • Some genes provide protection against COVID-19, while others increase the risk of susceptibility
  • Those with O-type blood have better protection against COVID-19, but scientists aren’t sure why
  • Individuals with a gene called toll-like receptor 7, or TLR, are more likely to get severe COVID-19

While science has made many advances, genetic tests to determine your susceptibility to developing severe COVID-19 are too unpredictable. Although you may see direct-to-consumer tests about COVID-19 susceptibility, it’s best to do thorough research beforehand or talk with your physician about the accuracy of these tests. Genetic information is helpful to staying healthy–but only if results are accurate!

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information

Should You Buy a DNA Kit for Christmas?

| November 12, 2022

‘Tis the Season!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching and Black Friday just a day later, you know what that means: time to start your Christmas shopping.

A popular gift at Christmas is a DNA test kit. These simple kits let you spit in a test tube, send it to the lab, and get your genetic results in a few weeks. These test kits range in results from five generations to 60,000 years.

Genome sequencing test kits are all the rage. These claim to predict your susceptibility to future diseases or help you find your ideal diet.

While either option might seem like the perfect gift, you may want to reconsider.

Direct-to-consumer DNA test kits are notorious for having security issues. From data breaches and mail interceptions to companies giving forensic access or selling information to pharmacies, you can’t be certain that your genetic information won’t be stolen, examined, or leaked.

If you truly value privacy, then it’s best not to give a DNA kit as a present. Once your relative submits their genetic sample, there’s no going back.

DNA Paternity Testing knows the importance of protecting your privacy. We are not a direct-to-consumer company that makes an extra profit by selling your DNA to a pharmaceutical or food company. We keep your genetic information locked away, following all HIPAA safety standards. You can feel confident releasing your DNA to us.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Is My DNA Safe?

DNA Clears Man of Murder Charges After 38 Years

| October 30, 2022

We hear many stories about how DNA convicts the right criminal, but this story is a little different. Instead of convicting the criminal, DNA has cleared Maurice Hastings of murder charges that have kept him behind bars for 38 years.

Hastings was tied to the murder of Roberta Wydermyer, who had made a late-night supermarket trip and was abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed.

Hastings endured two trials, the second of which the jury proclaimed him guilty of murder. The prosecutor recommended the death penalty, but the juror opted for life in prison with no parole.

However, Hastings sought his innocence through his decades in prison. In 2000, the District Attorney denied Hastings’ request for DNA testing of semen found on an oral swab of the victim in 1983.

Finally, the DA allowed genetic testing of the sample in June, proving Hastings’ innocence. Instead, Wydermyer’s tragic death was tied to another prisoner who had passed away in 2020.

LA County District Attorney George Gascon described his conviction as a “terrible injustice” and apologized for the judicial system failing him.

Hastings can now appeal for wrongful imprisonment. Hastings would receive $1.9 million if granted, but he says he’s looking forward to having dinner with his family.

It might not be your typical reunification story, but everyone is glad to have Hastings reunited with his family.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable, networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Does DNA Influence Gut Health?

Friends Before Sisters: A Reunification Story

| October 15, 2022
They say friends are the family you can choose, but this reunification story is about two ladies who were friends before knowing they were biological sisters.

Julia Tinetti and Cassandra Madison have been friends for years. They met at the Russian Lady Bar in New Haven when Madison’s Dominican flag tattoo caught Tinetti’s attention. Both Tinetti and Madison knew they were adopted from the Dominican Republic, so they were able to strike up a conversation that began their friendship.

As they spent more time together, Tinetti and Madison would be confused for sisters; nearly all their friends and acquaintances said they looked alike. Tinetti and Madison would politely decline the bond.

But about five years ago, their curiosity peaked. Were Tinetti and Madison sisters? The two took DNA tests and waited for weeks to hear the results.

Finally, the DNA results came! To their surprise and delight, Tinetti and Madison were biological sisters!

Madison connected with family in the Dominican Republic as they dove deeper into their family tree. She visited family last year, but Tinetti didn’t join her. She was anxious about meeting the family members. After hearing about Madison’s experience, Tinetti agreed to go.

The two sisters were reunited with their family this year at a huge family reunion in the Dominican Republic.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Is My DNA Safe?

California Case Raises Questions About DNA Safety

| September 25, 2022
A recent California case has raised many alarming questions regarding the security of genetic information databases, who has access to them, and for what purposes.

The case involves the genetic information of a woman who was raped in 2016. But police didn’t use genetic information to find the woman’s rapist; no–police used the woman’s rape information to implicit her for another crime.

The woman in question was raped in 2016 and allowed her genetic information to be gathered to convict her rapist. Collecting the victim’s genetic information is standard procedure in these cases to determine the difference between the victim’s and criminal’s DNA. Further, the victim’s and criminal’s DNA is held in separate databases.

However, without her consent, the San Francisco police placed this woman’s genetic information in a database for suspected criminals.

Then, in 2021, genetic information gathered at an unrelated burglary flagged this woman as a potential suspect. Horrified, the prosecutor dropped the case once he learned of the DNA origin. But that hasn’t stopped people from worrying about the safety of their DNA.

DNA Paternity Testing knows the importance of protecting your privacy. We are not a direct-to-consumer company that makes an extra profit by selling your DNA to a pharmaceutical or food company. We keep your genetic information locked away, following all HIPAA safety standards. You can feel confident releasing your DNA to us.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Is My DNA Safe?

Is My DNA Safe?

| September 11, 2022

More than 26 million people worldwide have taken DNA tests. Over the years, genetic testing has evolved from ancestral discovery and curiosity to promises of finding the perfect diet for your genes or predispositions to certain diseases or cancer.

Most people use a direct-to-consumer company like Ancestry.com or 23andMe. With these companies, you purchase a test kit, spit into a tube, and mail your test to the company. A few weeks later, you’ll receive your results, which vary in detail depending on which test kit you purchased.

For most of us, the fun is over once the high of your results has worn off (for adoptees or refugees, their search may just be beginning). You’ll rarely think of your results again. But what does the company do with your genetic information?

The answer to this question may shock you. Once you have submitted your genetic information, it is no longer yours, and your privacy has been breached. The company essentially owns your DNA. Most companies don’t require your consent to share your information with pharmaceutical manufacturers, and even if they did, they reserve the right to change their policies at any time.

In 2018, GlaxoSmithKline paid 23andMe $300 million dollars for genetic information.  FamilyTreeDNA admited in 2019 that it gave genetic information to the FBI. There have also been countless database breaches, such as the breach to DNA Diagnostics Center in 2021.

The bottom line is that direct-to-consumer genetic companies are not careful with your genetic information. But DNA Paternity Testing has the highest privacy standards, so you can rest assured your DNA is safe with us.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information