DNA

It is thought that our ancient ancestors originated from Africa and began migrating throughout the world and adapted to new environments, thus creating distinct groups and subgroups in our DNA lineage. These ancient ancestral groupings are known as haplogroups. It is these haplogroups that allow DNA laboratories to provide people with results on their ethnic origins.
Our sister company, Sorenson Genomics, has developed a new DNA test dubbed World Wide Ancestry. World Wide Ancestry offers improved technology, enabling anyone to find answers to questions about their earliest family origins. The Sorenson Genomics team has spoken about this new technology at recent industry conferences. It will be available for purchase early next year.
The wonders of DNA never cease to amaze me. My paternity can be determined with a few cheek swabs in a matter of hours. Now, with new science breakthroughs, my DNA will provide surprising detail about my ancient relatives. I can’t wait to share test results with my mom!

DNA Paternity Testing

You’ve sent in your samples now for the results….We’ve received some excellent questions recently about reading Identigene’s Results Statement. We want you to trust and feel confident that you understand the wording of the Results Statement.

According to accreditation guidelines, Identigene is required to word the results statement a certain way. Unfortunately, we cannot deliver the results with the exact words “You ARE the father” or “You are NOT the father”.

To simplify the statement, please look at the formula below:

“John Doe (insert alleged father’s name) is excluded as the biological father of James Doe (insert child’s name) = “YOU ARE NOT THE FATHER”.

OR

“John Doe is not excluded as the biological father of James Doe” = “YOU ARE THE FATHER”.

Secondly, the results statement will provide DNA profiles for further explanation. Remember, this is the data that our laboratory used to determine the results – “excluded” or “not excluded” or simply “you are not the father” or “you are the father”. The cheek cells provide our laboratory with a set of DNA markers (up to 15). These markers are used for identifying individuals. The “locus” or marker location shows two alleles (numbers) for each person tested. These numbers represent a “gene” that has genetically passed down to the person – one from the biological mother and one from the biological father.

According to genetics, a child MUST have one matching number to the father in each “locus”. In some cases, there are natural mutations where the child has a slightly higher or lower value than the father but these are rare. *If the alleged father is “excluded” aka “not the father”, they might have sharing numbers in certain “loci” (the singular form of locus) but to be determined the biological father, they would need to have sharing numbers in EACH loci.

At the end of the results statement, you will see a Combined Percentage Index (CPI). This number needs to be 100 or greater to be determined the biological father. When the percentage is 100 or greater, the probability (scientific chance) that you are the father will be 99% or greater.

Identigene recommends submitting the mother’s cheek swabs along with the child and alleged father’s check swabs. This helps strengthen the probability of paternity if there happens to be natural mutations in the DNA alleles of the child.

If for some reason Identigene has questions about your results, they will contact you and send you additional swabs for free so that you can resubmit your test swabs.

We hope this helps simplify and summarize your results statement. As always, please feel free to call us at 1-888-404-GENE.

Since the 19th century, scholars have questioned who fathered Lincoln. Reasons fueling this debate include: The overall size and facial feature differences of President Lincoln when compared to his alleged father, Thomas Lincoln. The opposing intelligence levels shared between the two. Lincoln’s reserved nature when talking about his childhood and most convincingly, the rumor that there was another man involved with Lincoln’s mother Nancy Hanks.

One story suggests, Abram Enloe, a wealthy mountain man, took in an orphan named Nancy Hanks to be his family servant. While working for Enloe, Hanks became pregnant and delivered a baby boy, naming him Abraham. The similarity in the alleged father and child’s first names aides this rumor of questionable paternity. Further supporting the theory, there are photos that depict the physical resemblances between the two as well as biographers that argue Lincoln’s birth record was falsified so that the illegitimate pregnancy would be covered up.

Because of the questions surrounding Lincoln’s paternity, author William E. Barton wrote a book entitled The Paternity of Abraham Lincoln. In this book, he mentions seven possible fathers for Lincoln but rejects them all in favor of Thomas Lincoln. His main argument supporting Thomas Lincoln as the father was an official marriage certificate found that places the wedding date three years prior to Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Historians have also noted the possibility of two women sharing the same first and last names during this particular time period and further question whether or not Lincoln’s mother was ever a family servant for Enloe.

The argument surrounding President Lincoln’s paternity is an “unsolved mystery”. It will probably be up for debate for eternity unless someone decides to rely on more than what they have previously to date – can anyone say DNA?

I like the eye color paternity test on our site as it has more options for eye color, but the test on the site listed above explains some of the science behind it that our site does not … yet.  I hope you get a kick out of it like I did.

I especially loved learning more about genetically modified foods.

Remember for any questions about paternity testing or DNA testing in general feel free to contact me!

He stated that in recent years he had reported more cases involving this phenomenon, and not likely because it is happening more frequently, mind you.  Rather, he feels that the rise in the volume of paternity and other relationship DNA tests performed across America has increased the commonality of finding this and other DNA rarities. At IDENTIGENE we have seen this increase of paternity tests, and our volume of other testing has increased as well.  We feel that this is due in part to the release of our DNA Paternity Kit at retails stores nationwide.  On May 11, 2009 announced more information on this new way of doing business in this fast paced and growing field.

Still curious about how this all works?  If you have any questions about paternity or DNA please feel free to comment, email me directly at kstyer@identigene.com, or call 801-462-1465. If I do not know the answer myself I will find the answer and get back to you.

We are working on releasing more ways to connect to other people who have similar questions. Stay tuned to the DNA Community section of our website.

Also, you can follow me on twitter (@AskKate) or facebook by searching for Ask Kate in Utah.

What some people may not know is of the theories of his contemporaries.  One such theory was developed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.  This theory now called Lamarckism stated that evolution could be directly impacted by an organism’s parent’s experiences.  His theory specifically was in reference to giraffes and their long necks. 

While this example may not be the best of this theory, the theory itself is being reconsidered after numerous findings by biologists around the world.  After reading an article in Newsweek, I was intrigued by the idea that a parent’s environment and experiences may in fact directly impact a child’s traits that it inherits. 

As an example the article discusses a species of water flea that gains a spiny helmet if their mother had an experience with predators before conceiving.  If not her off spring would not have these spiny helmets.  The DNA of both types of water flea being the same.  This type of trait by Darwin’s theories would have taken numerous generations to develop.

DNA, genetics, and inheritance are all topics that intrigue me.  As a DNA Testing consultant I try to keep up with what is being discovered in the scientific community.  This new finding blows much of what I studied in high school and college out of the water.  I am excited to see what may come out of this research.  I am curious to see how humans are directly impacted by the experiences of their parents. 

However this research turns out there is one thing that will remain true.  The DNA that determines relationships is not directly impacted by these types of findings.  You cannot change the markers that indicate relationship simply by eating more greens or even doing hard drugs.  So, no need to be concerned with your results changing based on this type of information.  I am curious to hear what everyone has to say about this.  Please leave a comment or email me directly at: kstyer@identigene.com

Question: “If I send you my DNA and a copy of my birth certificate can you tell me if that is really where I was born?”

Answer: Unfortunately, your DNA does not contain any information about your birthplace.  Okay, this one has only come up once.  At the time I was extremely dumbfounded.  Honestly, I am still at a loss as to the logic on this one.

Question: “Can you tell if someone does drugs by testing their DNA?”

Answer: No, we cannot.  This is a more common question than you might expect.  Also, we cannot see alcoholism in your DNA either.

Question: “I was sick with the flu when I swabbed.  Will this change my results?”

Answer: No, your DNA is not affected by virus or bacteria.  It is also not impacted by cancer, HIV, or other diseases.

Question: “How old do you have to be to test your DNA?”

Answer: You can test an unborn child’s DNA by sampling the amniotic fluid of the mother.  Meaning, there is no age limit.  You can test a child right after he/she is born.  Your DNA is the same from the time of conception until you die.  And this question is not exactly weird, but it comes up often enough that I thought I would throw it in.

And the weirdest question I have ever heard?

Question: “Is it possible that my DNA is the Da Vinci Code?”

Yes, someone really asked me this, and yes I was able to contain my disbelief and reply.  My reply?  “I am not certain I understand how your DNA may be related to the Da Vinci Code.”

After this the customer abruptly hung up.

DNA is a subject that is not always easy to understand.  So, I wouldn’t hesitate to write or call and ask your questions.  At least you know there has always been someone who has asked something odder, right?

While I am here, I thought I would post a clip I found that amused me.  Desperate Housewives has joined the many TV shows discussing paternity.  It’s a little silly, and I hope you get a chuckle out of it like I did.

Happy New Year everyone.