2010 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2010. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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If 2 DNA scientists mate, will they have a super boring kid that will get beat up in school?
     Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.: I currently investigate genetic discrimination, direct to consumer marketing of genetic tests and pharmacogenomics. Well, that's where the combination of genes and environment comes into play. The resulting child will likely be short sighted (so will need glasses), clutzy (so will break the glasses and need to fix them with tape) and will be extra smart so will likely be beat up by jealous colleagues. On the plus side, it's likely that they'll go on to be highly successful after college and will get to order fries from their high school bullies as adults.
Sue Brezin in PA (5th grade student)

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