DNA DISCOVERY CENTER

It seems like DNA is in the news every day, with reports of cloned animals, crime scene investigations, and cures for common diseases.

But DNA research goes way beyond these media headlines to investigate more fundamental questions such as: Who are our ancestors? How did different species of plants and animals evolve? And how is all life on Earth related and why do these relationships matter?

Scientists here at the Field Museum and beyond tackle these questions every day. Take a look at breaking news on the forefront of understanding the world’s biodiversity through genetic research.

	Hobbyists Are Trying Genetic Engineering At Home Posted 1/9/09. Extracting DNA requires basic chemicals found in your home, but amateurs are going beyond simple extractions.
	Scientist: Stem Cells Could End Animal Testing Posted 1/9/09. Stem cell research could transform drug development and eliminate costly clinical trials.
	Marine Pollution Spawns 'Wonky Babies' Posted 12/5/08. Pollutants at sea can slow critters' sperm or induce DNA damage.
	Regenerating a Mammoth for $10 Million Posted 12/5/08. One of the most frequently asked questions to scientists in the Discovery Center is about mammoth cloning. Here's the latest news.
	Phoenicians Left Deep Genetic Mark, Study Shows Posted 11/6/08. The Phoenicians (1500 to 300 B.C.) are well known for their extensive maritime history. New evidence shows their genetic history is just as rich.
	Biologists Discover Motor Protein That Rewinds DNA Posted 11/6/08. Scientists have discovered a protein that is crucial for repairing DNA structure, and a whole new field of science is emerging.
	Spinach, Lettuce, and the Limits of Bioterrorism Posted 4/28/08. Learn more about how the tree of life and DNA sequencing shed new light on microbial genetic engineering and its use in bioterrorism.
	In the Marmoset Family, Things Really Do Appear to Be All Relative Posted 4/28/08. Find out about the unusual inheritance mechanism of marmosets—primates that are chimeras, meaning that they can carry cells from another individual.
	Gene Map Becomes a Luxury Item Posted 4/28/08. Would you rather buy a Bentley or your genome sequence? Discover how genetic studies can place DNA sequencing firmly in the realm of pop culture.

Or, check in regularly on The Wild Side, the blog of Dr. Olivia Judson, who covers the latest topics on evolutionary biology.

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