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Ask a Geneticist
Real reader questions, answered by genetics experts — an archive of 702+ articles built over two decades. This pilot carries a 40-article sample; the full archive migrates with the redesign.
- If someone is LGBTQIA+, is it likely their siblings will be too? If someone is LGBTQIA+, is it likely their siblings will be too?
- How does Y chromosome variation happen? How is variation of Y chromosomes explained? If your Y chromosome is identical to your father's, and grandfather's, all the way back for countless gen…
- How is AI used in genetics? When you think of genetics research, what comes to mind? Maybe you’re thinking of scientists staring through a microscope or mixing together bubbling …
- Can there be alligator-crocodile hybrids? "Can there be alligator-crocodile hybrids?"
- Why do horses share more DNA with bats than with cows? "Why is it that horses and bats have such similar DNA despite studies saying they aren’t closely related?"
- Does blood type matter in outer space? "Does blood type matter in outer space? Are astronauts chosen by their blood type? Which Rh blood type works best in outer space?"
- Can scientists code with DNA and create new proteins that don’t exist in nature? "Can scientists “code” with DNA? Like could they write new DNA sequences that would lead to new traits/proteins that haven’t previously existed in nat…
- Is the crab the pinnacle of evolution? "I've heard that many different living creatures have evolved into one optimal body type—THE CRAB! Is it true that the crab is the pinnacle of evoluti…
- If I had a genetic test done that looked at my chromosomes, would it have ruled out all genetic disorders? "If I had a genetic test done that looked at my chromosomes, would it have ruled out all genetic disorders?"
- Did scientists make real dire wolves? "I heard that scientists have made dire wolves. Are they real dire wolves, or are they something else?"
- Why is GC content used to determine DNA melting temperature? "I want to know why GC content is used to determine DNA melting temperature and not AT content?"
- How do genes affect being a great athlete? "What role do genes play in making someone a phenomenal athlete? Are different genes helpful for different sports?"
- Who can I talk to about my genetics? "There is an increased risk in cousin marriage but there is also a chance for non-related couples to have mutations in their same genes, and they can …
- What are the chances I will inherit celiac disease? "My sister has celiac disease. What are the chances that I cannot eat bread? My dad is a carrier."
- Can we predict hair color in babies? "Can you predict what color hair my child might have?"
- Why aren't we hermaphrodites? Why are there two sexes? "Why aren't we hermaphrodites? Why are there two genders? Isn't it advantageous if species can mate with every one in its species? Do the kind of spec…
- How could you engineer a dragon using traits like flight, fire, and scales? "I have a theoretical question. If you wanted to make a dragon, what are the possible ways to go about it? For example, if one took the characteristic…
- Humans vs birds: who is evolving more rapidly? "I wonder for instance why for example the bird the robin stays so constant over time in the sense of evolution whereas humans evolve so rapidly."
- Why are only some identical twins considered mirror twins? "If all identical twins have the exact same DNA, why are only some considered mirror twins?"
- How is muscular dystrophy inherited? "If my sister is carrier of muscular dystrophy then am I too? My brothers are safe and healthy, but my sister's sons have muscular dystrophy. If I am …
- Could I inherit a rare genetic disorder? "What are some rare genetic disorders that people can inherit? What is the chance that I will have any of them?"
- Beyond A, B, O: Why is our blood type positive or negative? "I'm trying to find out why I'm the only one that has B- blood but both my parents and all of my siblings have positive blood so why was I the only on…
- Do sex chromosomes determine differences in traits like height, bone structure, and physical strength? "Do sex chromosomes determine physiological development such as height, bone structure, physical strength?"
- Is it true that sharks don’t get cancer or other diseases? This is a fun question, and a great myth to debunk!
- How did Great White sharks evolve? "I heard Great White sharks have really ancient DNA, perhaps more ancient than other sharks. Is that true? If so, what does that mean for these incred…
- Are strange sleep patterns a genetic trait that can be passed on to children? "I have always had really strange sleep patterns, and it seems like my child does too. Is this a genetic trait that I passed on to them?"
- How can complex biological processes like the sodium potassium pump exist through evolution? "How can complex biological processes like the sodium potassium pump, which involves a neuron integrating sodium and potassium ions into its body, or …
- What is biotechnology? Biotechnology: technology using biology. While that may seem simple, biotechnology is a complex field that continues to change with new discoveries. L…
- Can crossing over occur between the X and Y chromosome? "Can crossing over occur between the X and Y chromosome?"
- Can Two Blue-Eyed Parents Have a Brown-Eyed Child? "If both parents have blue eyes can we have a brown eyed child?"
- Why are cows so many colors? "Why do cows come in so many different colors? Does this have to do with different habitats around the world?"
- Do bigger genomes mean more editing opportunities? "If an organism, like a strawberry, has a very large genome, does that mean there are more opportunities for us to modify its genome in cool/helpful w…
- Are dimples genetically inherited? "I have dimples, but none of my parents nor any one in the long history of all generations has it as far as I can see. I read some articles saying it …
- How can someone be a very different height from their parents? "My husband and I are exactly the same height 5'1". We both come from families with an average height of 5' 1" to 5" 2". However our daughter (current…
- Can a half-sibling be a match for a stem cell transplant? "I was wondering, since it is very difficult to find a stem cell donor and there are more possibilities with siblings, could a half-sibling on the fat…
- Do scientists want to make GMO humans? "What do scientists think about the controversial issue of using CRISPR to edit human genomes?"
- Do ginger cats’ genes shape personality and appetite? "What are the genetic ties to unique personality traits of ginger tabby cats? Some examples are intelligence, trainability, affection and playfulness.…
- How do different genes contribute to our traits like eye and skin color? "Does all of our genes get used for protein synthesis? Like for example if I have a copy of a gene for brown eyes and a copy for a gene that makes blu…
- Can RNA be chemically modified? "I’ve heard that DNA can be chemically modified through epigenetics. Can RNA be modified in a similar way?"
- What’s the difference between various types of ancestry tests? "What's the difference between maternal DNA tests, paternal DNA tests, and other ancestry tests?"