HWN Suggests

New Study Confirms That the Future of Data Storage Is in DNA

DNA contains information about a living organism. It codes everything in an living being. That’s why it makes sense for corporations like Microsoft to invest in research that studies how DNA can be used to store data. Unlike most of the existing data storage devices out there, DNA doesn’t degrade over time, plus it’s very compact. For example, just four grams of DNA can contain a year’s worth of information produced by all of humanity combined.

As humankind progresses, the amount of data we produce and consume has been growing considerably. Gone are the days when a 1.44Mb floppy disk could fulfill our needs. This continual increase in data necessitates a more robust and durable data…

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Featured

 You Share Your Genetic Data at Your Own Risk

While the ability to generate massive amounts of genomic data presents amazing, novel opportunities, like discovering the underlying genetic cause of a rare disease, it has also led to unexpected and ethically fraught uses.

Articles of Interest

How To Sign Away The Rights to Your DNA

DNA-testing kit company 23andMe, announced a new partnership with drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). GSK gets exclusive access to 23andMe’s troves of customer data — which it plans to use to develop a whole host of new drugs — and 23andMe gets a $300 million dollar investment. The company was quick to clarify that 23andMe customers had the option to opt-in or out of sharing their genetic information for research purposes, stating that “As always, customers choose whether or not to participate in research.

A scientist on the great responsibility of using ancient DNA to rewrite human history

There are ethical and methodological pitfalls to avoid.

Can Commercial DNA Analysis Create a Healthier You?

With DNA analysis making its way into the commercial realm, it was inevitable that the health industry would get in on the action. But how good is that for the consumer?

Can Your DNA Tell You the Healthiest Way to Live Your Life?

Genetic-sequencing companies are going beyond ancestry and disease risk to offer specific lifestyle recommendations.

Discovery of DNA Structure and Function: Watson and Crick

The landmark ideas of Watson and Crick relied heavily on the work of other scientists. What did the duo actually discover?

Easy DNA Editing Will Remake the World. Buckle Up

We now have the power to quickly and easily alter DNA. It could eliminate disease...

Everything Worth Knowing About ... Ancient DNA

The lure and limitations of a coded past.

Hacking the President’s DNA

The U.S. government is surreptitiously collecting the DNA of world leaders, and is reportedly protecting that of Barack Obama. Decoded, these genetic blueprints could provide compromising information. In the not-too-distant future, they may provide something more as well—the basis for the creation of personalized bioweapons that could take down a president and leave no trace.

The Gene Hackers

A powerful new technology enables us to manipulate our DNA more easily than ever before.

These Companies Want You to Sell Your DNA on the Internet

Human DNA has become a valuable research commodity, as drug companies, academic researchers, and governments all mine DNA databases in their search for new treatments and health innovations.

What Rare Disorder Is Hiding in Your DNA?

As comprehensive genetic tests become more widespread, patients and experts mull how to deal with unexpected findings.

Resources

DNAandU

This website provides an opportunity for those of you who want to share your story including those already using DNA information in your healthcare decisions...

DNAeXplained – Genetic Genealogy

Discovering Your Ancestors – One Gene at a Time

Genes for Good

Genes for Good is a research study aimed at generating and analyzing an enormous database of health and genetic information. This research will provide valuable biological insight into the causes of common diseases.

Know Your DNA

You have several options when it comes to learning about your DNA, KnowYourDNA is the best source for finding all things related to DNA.

Promethease

Promethease is a literature retrieval system that builds a personal DNA report based on connecting a file of DNA genotypes to the scientific findings cited in SNPedia.

DNA from the Beginning

An animated primer of 75 experiments that made modern genetics.

DNA Interactive

Register free to join our online teaching community where you can create personalized web pages and use the Lesson Builder tool.

DNA Learning Center

Preparing students and families to thrive in the gene age.

DNA.com

Through the engineering of biology, Intrexon is helping to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges to realize a better, healthier planet.

The DNA Geek

Leah Larkin earned her Ph.D. in biology from the University of Texas at Austin, where she used DNA to study the relationships among different species. She has worked in both academia and scientific publishing and applies those research skills daily to solving genealogical questions using DNA. Her background makes her uniquely qualified to analyze your DNA results to reveal your family history.

YourGenome.com

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code. Like a recipe book it holds the instructions for making all the proteins in our bodies.  

Adoption and DNA

Helping those with unknown parentage (and their families) discover their heritage through DNA testing.