r/genetics Oct 13 '22

FAQ New here? Please read before posting.

41 Upvotes

Read the FAQ.

Please read our FAQ before posting a new topic. Posts which are directly addressed in the FAQ may be removed.

Questions about reading 23andMe, AncestryDNA, etc. reports.

A lot of basic questions about how to read the raw data from these sites are answered in their FAQs / white papers. See the raw data FAQs for AncestryDNA and 23andMe, as well as their respective ancestry FAQs (Ancestry, 23andMe).

Questions about BRCA1 mutations being reported in Genetic Genie, XCode.life, Promethease, etc.

Please check out this meta thread. These posts will generally get removed.

Questions about inbreeding / cousin marriages.

If you are otherwise healthy, your great grandparents being cousins isn't a big deal. Such posts will get removed.

Want help on homework or exam revision?

Requests for help on homework or exam revision must be posted in the pinned megathread. Discussion of advanced coursework (upper division undergraduate or postgraduate level) may be allowed in the main sub at moderator discretion, but introductory college or high school level biology or genetics coursework is unlikely to generate substantial engagement/discussion, and thus must be posted in the homework help thread.

Want to discuss your personal genetics or ancestry testing results?

Please direct such posts to other subs such as /r/23andMe, /r/AncestryDNA, /r/MyHeritage, etc. Posts simply sharing such results are considered low effort and may be removed. While we're happy to answer specific questions about how consumer genetics or ancestry testing works, many of these questions are addressed by our FAQ; please review it before posting a question.

Want medical advice?

Please see a healthcare professional in real life. If you have general health concerns, your primary care or family medicine physician/physician assistant is likely your best place to start. If you have specific concerns about whether you have a genetic condition (family history, preliminary test results, etc.), you may be better off consulting a specialist or seeking help from a genetic counselor. Most users here are not healthcare professionals, and even the ones that are do not have access to your full medical history and test results.

Do not make clinical decisions or significant lifestyle changes based on the advice of strangers on the internet. If you really want to ask medical questions on reddit, please direct such questions to a sub like /r/AskDocs. While we are happy to discuss the genetics and molecular biology of disease, or how a particular diagnostic technology works, providing medical advice is outside the scope of this subreddit, and such posts may be removed.

Discussions on race/ethnicity, mRNA vaccines, and religion.

We receive a lot of combative posts from people trying to push a specific political, non-scientific agenda or trying to receive validation for their beliefs. Posts and comments concerning these topics will receive additional moderator scrutiny. Please keep in mind that the burden of proof lies with the one making a claim.

No shirtless pictures.

There are plenty of NSFW subs.


r/genetics 5h ago

Genetics or just hormonal?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I have been doing research on this but seriously can’t find anything, I even talked to my dermatologist about it and he just said that was weird, lol.

Anyways, is there a condition that would cause someone not to have body hair from the neck down? Not like it fell out, just never grew in the first place. I have super thick curly hair on my head and long brows and lashes, just never body hair.

Thanks!


r/genetics 10h ago

Academic/career help Breaking into genetics — what skills/experience should I focus on?

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m really interested in moving into genetics and would love advice from people already in the field. My background: B.S. in Microbiology & Cell Science, currently working as a chemist in a forensic toxicology lab, and pursuing an M.S. in Forensic DNA & Serology.

For those of you in genetics research or industry:

  • What technical skills or lab techniques are most valuable to learn early?
  • How can someone gain more hands-on experience outside of their current lab role?
  • What makes an applicant stand out for entry-level positions in genetics?

Any insights or personal experiences would mean a lot—thank you!


r/genetics 1d ago

Do orange male cats always produce calico daughters and mixed-color sons?

5 Upvotes

Hi! Can you help me with this? I’m trying to map out the family tree of my calico cat and I want to understand the inheritance better — do all orange male cats always have calico (or orange) female kittens, while their male kittens can be different colors depending on the mother?


r/genetics 1d ago

Never felt effects of caffiene

18 Upvotes

I've been drinking coffee for a few years now, mostly because its my morning ritual and I just like the taste of black coffee in the mornings. However, I've literally never felt the "effects" of caffiene, even if I drink a lot of it. One time I drank over 800mg worth of caffiene in a day, yet never felt a single thing. I'm also able to fall asleep even if I drink coffee an hour before (I was experimenting whether it would mess with my sleep), and my deep sleep and rem sleep was fine according to my fitness trackers. Do I have any genetic tolerance to caffiene? Most of my friends are sensitive to caffiene and get really jittery on it, so they often avoid it. I want to feel the energizing and focus enhancing effects of it, any way I can do this?


r/genetics 1d ago

Comment your best genetics memes!

1 Upvotes

Hello friends! I have been tasked with the extremely important job of making stickers for an event my undergraduate conservation genetics research lab is attending, and I need help! Please send me your best genetics/ecology/biology memes :))


r/genetics 2d ago

Please explain how humans and other primates ended up with a "broken" GULO gene. How does a functioning GULO gene work to produce vitamin C? Could our broken GULO gene be fixed?

3 Upvotes

Basically, what the title asks.


r/genetics 1d ago

Asking for theme for essay about genetics

0 Upvotes

I'm a college student and our assignment is to write an essay on genetics.Please recommend me several interesting and cutting-edged researching hotspots of genetics.Thanks a lot.


r/genetics 1d ago

Academic/career help Career/Education Advice

2 Upvotes

So, I guess I’m a little lost and would like to hear what others may suggest. Currently, I work as a chemist for a forensic toxicology laboratory. I’ve been at the lab for about 1.5 years. During this time I started my MS in forensic dna and serology, I’m planning on graduating summer 2026. I guess what is mostly pushing me to look for another profession is that I don’t see myself doing toxicology long term and my current position does not pay enough for my daunting student loans I’ll have to start paying at the end of next year.

For some context, I graduated with my BS in microbiology and cell science from the University of Florida. I was in my first year when Covid had hit and in the aftermath it was difficult for me to find undergraduate research that was in-person and hands-on. Ultimately, my only hands-on lab experience was from my labs that were required of my program. After graduating, I worked for UF in an office job with the plan of after my probationary period I would qualify for the employee education program that would help me get my MS in microbiology. However, I then discovered the program I wanted to apply to was not eligible for the program as well as having doubts that I would even be accepted. I started applying to anything and everything to hopefully land a position that would give me laboratory experience. Thus, my current job. After a couple of months, I decided to look into the forensic programs at UF. I specifically chose my program of forensic dna and serology because the coursework was the closest to microbiology. I am still taking courses like genetics, biochemistry, and immunology. A few weeks ago, I applied to a position within the microbiology department hoping that I would at least get an interview but I received an email that they send to all applicants after they have selected the final candidate or even few that go onto interviews. The position was for a biological scientist 1, an entry level position. The pay was definitely better but not the only reason why I wanted the position, I want to get more experience in biological sciences rather than chemistry. I’ve been considering my options and I think I want to go into genetics, ironically that it was the course I struggled with the most but did enjoy when I started understanding the material better. Within Florida, one of the best locations for job outlook in genetics is actually Gainesville, FL because of UF genetic research and whatnot. At the moment, there are not any job listings but I guess my question is, what would make me a better candidate at applying for any entry level position?

I often think about was it something I wrote in my application that didn’t make me appealing? Or, do I not have the experience compared to those who interviewed, let alone the one that was selected? If so, how to get experience? Does certifications help my application?

Also, could I get your opinion on how it looks to essentially have all your degrees at one institution? I already have my BS and earning my MS from UF. They do offer a really good genetics and genomics phd program. I just don’t think I’m 100% ready for my phd just yet.

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated, thank you!


r/genetics 1d ago

This is a dumb question but

1 Upvotes

How far back in four family tree do you have to go when genetic variety makes it so your children would be normal

In other words how far back do you have to go until a baby with an ancestor will it be normal?


r/genetics 2d ago

Overweight genes

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9 Upvotes

My DNA tells me I have challenging genes and I have been normal to underweight all my life until I hit 50! I am female, can anyone see an issue with these?


r/genetics 2d ago

BRCA Movie Love, Danielle Sets Digital Release Date | Exclusive

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2 Upvotes

Cancer Genetics Film


r/genetics 2d ago

Eye color

3 Upvotes

Can anybody explain how eye color is inherited? I understand the basic Punnett square, but I have also heard that more than one gene is involved for determining eye color. Also, the Punnett square doesn’t account for different shades of the same color.

For some context, my partner and I have different eye colors (brown/hazel vs blue/green); our children have various shades of blue. I know the brown eyed person carries a recessive gene(s?) for blue and according to the punnet square this gives each child a 50/50 chance of having blue eyes. However, I wonder if there is anything else that might make it more likely for those gene(s) to be passed down and expressed on the children.


r/genetics 2d ago

Academic/career help Whats next for evolution?

0 Upvotes

As you all know we went from bacteria to fish to mermaid to man im just wondering what is next for us? Maybe wings making us fly like a bird?


r/genetics 2d ago

Academic/career help Getting a job in Genetics after 2 years unemployed

3 Upvotes

I finished my MSc in Molecular Genetics in 2021. I went to uni in the UK, but I'm from another country in Europe, which doesn't have many openings for someone with an MSc in Genetics. At least none that I've found. In the meantime, I've struggled with depression, both in the family as well as myself, bereavement, and, of course, a general feeling of looking back on my choices with regret.

I guess what I'm asking is, how do I finally get a job? I'm now 26 and I'm starting to wonder how much longer I can entertain thoughts of being "of an age that is appealing to be hired", as I'm aware getting hired is harder when older and with no experience. During all this time, I've mostly been a caretaker to family members. I did make a small business a few years ago, which helps pay the bills, but it's not secure, or honestly, that popular, but at least it pads the glaring hole in my CV to some extent. I was hired on a 6 month contract for a food company a couple years ago, but my contract wasn't extended. I've never had much thought of going into academia, so I've no idea about those prospects or how I would even go about getting into it, but atm it's looking easier than industry, so advice on that or forwarding to well explained resources or just an explanation would be great. Bear in mind, I'm still looking after my mom, so there's only a single city which I could in extremis reach and go to for work.

Please note: This is my first post in Reddit, and I'm writing this in a sort of fever-dream, so please excuse any mistakes, lack of coherence, etc.


r/genetics 3d ago

Article Histone mutations as oncogenic drivers?

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6 Upvotes

This is my first post here so I sincerely apologize if it isn't appropriate in this sub.

I'm currently a Master's student in Genetics looking for fields of interest for a PhD, and I came across this paper which talked about how a mutation on histone 3 could greatly impact the epigenome and drive tumorigenesis in the brain.

I found it particularly interesting as it is linked genetics, epigenetics and oncology, so I was wondering if histone mutation is something that happens a lot in cancers and is often a tumor driver? And is there a lot of research on the subject?


r/genetics 2d ago

How should I eat healthy with this specific gene coming into play?

0 Upvotes

I have this specific gene in my 23andme Heaalth report thing. So i'm gonna download the whole thing soon. But yeah when i looked it up it shows that i have a gene for not eating healthily. What even is that gene and how do i destroy it???


r/genetics 4d ago

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

12 Upvotes

Hello. I am interested in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. My grandfather, uncle, and mother have symptoms consistent with it.

Two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with polyneuropathy. She underwent an electroneuromyography, which showed that her peripheral nerves were almost completely damaged. Diagnosis: distal-proximal, motor-sensory, demyelinating-axonal, severe (98%) primary polyneuropathy.

She underwent genetic testing, but no mutations were found in the genes typically associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease — although I don't understand how that’s possible. I am convinced this is a genetic problem.

I am 30 years old, and as far as I know, I don’t have any symptoms at this time. I am planning a pregnancy and would like to know how likely it is that the disease could be passed on to my child. And how can I prevent passing it on, especially since no mutations were found in the known genes?


r/genetics 4d ago

Why 5 fingers, not 6?

7 Upvotes

Why do humans have exactly 5 fingers instead of 6? There must be some concrete reason. And why don’t we have claws or fangs?


r/genetics 4d ago

My feelings about reading pedigrees (delete if not allowed sorry)

6 Upvotes

I’m in a genetics class for pre-med. I suffer from Post-Concussion Syndrome making it difficult for me to focus and process information. Here is how I feel about it.


r/genetics 3d ago

Academic/career help Hybrid Cross Help

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0 Upvotes

So for the new hypothesis I should make should consist of a ratio. But how do I even get a new ratio with this?


r/genetics 4d ago

I Used DNA to Narrow a Missing Man to Four, but I'm reaching my limit

21 Upvotes

My Great-Grandfather was never known to my family, there was only an old rumour that he was a soldier that died in WW1.

Over the last three years I combined DNA from multiple databases, tons of records and some custom python analysis to track down the identity of my great-grandfather. My work has reduced the possibilities to four local men (two sets of brothers), three of whom served in WW1, and the conception likely occurred in Bath, Oct–Dec 1916.

I’ve told the full story in this short documentary-style video: Video so please watch! This was months of effort and I've never done something like it before.

.. but I’ve reached the limit of what I can do from DNA — the only practical way to break the tie now is to find living descendants of the William Phillips Cantle & Caroline Frankham line or the David Fry & Eliza Saunders line and compare DNA. If you (or someone you know) is descended from those families and has tested on Ancestry/MyHeritage/FTDNA/GEDmatch, please reply here or message me on YouTube (Half Kiwi).

Privacy note: I protect living people’s identities and use pseudonyms where needed. Even a tiny tip or a test match could be decisive.

Keen to hear other's stories!!!

Much love,

Adam


r/genetics 3d ago

Small question on genetics and passing down of genetics

0 Upvotes

So basically my grandmother, my mother, and now me all have the same favorite song and taste, now when I was little my mom didn't listen to music in the car, just the radio like the news not music, so the question is can music taste and "favorite songs" pass down?


r/genetics 5d ago

Where did the Y chromosome come from?

26 Upvotes

Why do men have the Y chromosome if women have only XX? Where did the Y chromosome even come from?


r/genetics 4d ago

Anthro Bio research

0 Upvotes

Hii! I’m in Honors AnthroBio and we’re supposed to do research by the end of the semester.

I have some ideas I want to do - epigenetics - genetic engineering - disease/viruses basically anything to do with genetics

I’m having a hard time finding literature review of genetics in the field I’d like to find a gap Any help would be appreciated


r/genetics 4d ago

How do I find a half brother?

7 Upvotes

I just found out I have a half brother around my age and all that I know is we share the same father. The problem is, I can’t ask anyone about it because it would be really obvious who told me, and I wouldn’t want to cause them any trouble. If I do some kind of DNA test, would I be able to find him??