Discover Genetics

Your family history holds key information about your past and clues to your future health. Many of your physical traits, such as eye color, hair color, and height are inherited. So, too, are risks for certain genetic conditions and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. You may have noticed that some... Read More

Genetic diseases are caused by random changes in our DNA called variants or mutations. When a variant occurs, it can change the way a gene functions or the protein it codes for. This change can cause a disruption in the body that may cause a disease. These changes can be passed on to the next... Read More

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