genetics and genealogy - tracing the traces
Monday, February 15, 2010 (19:52:39)

Posted by horatio

Recently in one of my classes we have been looking at genetics and DNA in various forms and manifestations, but in particular as it relates to the science-art interface, commonly also called bioart {Harvard's take on bioart}. And one of the things that ran through my mind in the past few days, mostly as I try to come up with an interesting project for class, but also thinking about my own work and interests, has to do with the work that DNA and genetics play in genealogy.

My aunt Marjorie is our resident family historian, and quite an accomplished one at that. Her knowledge of our various and sordid family past never ceases to amaze and confound me, and it seems like she is always finding something new or noteworthy about our past relatives.

While looking into all of this I ran into a neat little series of flash animations about genes, SNP's and some of the basics of DNA and genetics relevant for genealogy, check it out right here.