Saturday DNA! NYC - Swab to Sequence: What Happens When You Send Off DNA?

If you’ve ever submitted or thought about submitting a DNA sample to companies like 23andMeⓇ or Ancestry.comⓇ, you’ve likely been excited by the opportunity to learn more about your family history or relatives, but how does some saliva in a tube get translated into family trees?

In this session, participants will:

• learn about how DNA is sequenced;
• use bioinformatics techniques to analyze DNA sequences across individuals*;
• explore how genetic testing companies build family trees;
• discuss the potential pros and cons of DNA testing, specifically through the case of the Golden State Killer.

*Note, we will NOT be sequencing participant DNA in this session.

Ages 16 - adult.

Host or Publisher Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center