S5.13 Genetics at your fingertips: stories from the science of identity
Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Sally Le Page. In this episode we’re looking at the stories at your fingertips, not only genetic fingerprinting and how it could bring down a superpower or unearth a 100 year old family secret, but also the genetics of fingerprints, and what they tell us about our early life in the womb.
Whorls apart: the genetics of fingerprints
When’s the last time you looked at your hands? Not just a glance, but really studied them? The fine parallel lines that form unique patterns not only on the ends of your fingers, but also cover the palm of your hand and the soles of your feet. The deep creases that interrupt this intricate design when you form a fist. The swirling lines on your fingertips perforated by microscopic sweat glands, leaving a unique identifying stamp on everything you touch, saying “I was here”.
Putin’s poo tin and excrement espionage
Reports came out earlier this month that Vladimir Putin takes his own toilet with him on his travels, and his security detail are tasked with packing up his number twos and storing it in a special suitcase - a literal poo tin, if you will - so that it can be disposed of on Russian soil and not fall into the hands of an enemy state.
Image by Haas et al (2022)
Answer’s on the back of a postcard
Genetic fingerprinting doesn’t have to be used only for big, high profile dramas like international espionage. Sometimes it can reveal the small, personal stories lived by everyday people which are no less meaningful. One such story was uncovered at the start of this year by a group of Swiss geneticists who were asked if they could help lay to rest a family secret that had hidden in the shadows for nearly 150 years.
Mendel at 200
We just want to touch on an event being held by the University of Bristol. Next month, July 2022, will mark 200 years since the birth of everyone’s favourite monastic pea farmer, Gregor Mendel, and the Integrative Epidemiology Unit at Bristol are holding a two day conference to celebrate. You can attend in person, or for free online on the 20th and 21st July to hear talks and discussions from leading experts about Mendel’s discoveries, the rediscoveries of his discoveries and how Mendel’s work continues to influence genetics today. To sign up online, search for ‘Mendel at 200 Bristol’ or go to http://www.bristol.ac.uk/integrative-epidemiology/seminars/mendel_200/
That’s all for now. We’ll be back next time taking a look at the inevitability of human behaviour, chatting with neurogeneticist and author Kevin Mitchell about whether the way we think has already been determined before we’re even born.
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written, presented and produced by me, Sally Le Page. It is made by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
