The simplest way to explain this is to first have a look at the parts of our DNA that DO have known functions. (more…)

So you’ve heard about DNA fingerprinting, DNA paternity tests and diseases caused by mutations in DNA. But what does any of that really mean to you? Let’s start with the basics and take an easy introduction to what DNA is and how yours is different from anyone else. (more…)

Choosing a paternity test can be a confusing ordeal. Not only is the terminology describing the ins and outs of each test complicated, but the sheer number of different tests to choose from makes it difficult to decide which one is the best for you. Couple this with the explosion of services providers over the last 5 years and it can be a daunting task just knowing where to begin. To simplify matters lets compare 14 of the more prominent paternity testing companies and some of the features that you should be considering when making your decision. We’ve analyzed these companies using 6 different criteria that we think are critical to deciding which company fits you best. Click through for the full guide to choosing the right company. (more…)

You’ve probably heard the term a million times in the news about criminal cases, on TV shows like CSI and Law and Order, or in high profile paternity cases or even in relation to inherited diseases and tracing your ancestry. But what is it exactly and how does it work?

First of all the DNA tests used in the above examples aren’t all the same. They all examine slightly different bits of our DNA, use different tests to it, and can tell us different things about ourselves. Click through for a easy to read summary of each of these procedures. (more…)