This episode of 'Dr. DNA Dan' hosted by Professor Dan Handley from Southern California University of Health Sciences delves into genetics, specifically focusing on short tandem repeats (STRs). The podcast explains the significance of STRs in forensic DNA testing and paternity tests by measuring the number of repeated sequences in different individuals' genomes. STRs, found across all human chromosomes, are used to match DNA samples in criminal investigations through the CODIS database maintained by the FBI. The accuracy and real-world challenges of STR analysis, including potential sample contamination and degradation, are discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of forensic DNA testing.
Tune in each month as DNA Dan dives into the evolving world of genetics, from ancestry and health testing to genetics in mental health and forensics. With over 30 years of experience in genomics, SCU Professor Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., brings unique insights into how genetics shapes our lives and the future of precision medicine.
Please visit our website for more information about Southern California University of Health Science's Master of Science Program in Human Genetics & Genomics. https://bit.ly/SCU-DNA_Dan
