human dna Archives

Proof of Evolution Is in Your DNA

October 9, 2019April 1, 2021 Science Connecteddna, evolution, human dna, human evolution

Another great video from our friend Dr. Joe Hanson and the team behind the video series It’s Okay to Be Smart, brought to you by PBS Digital Studios. This time, we’re looking at the proof of evolution that’s embedded right there in our DNA. According to Dr. Hanson, “Humans are special, and we got that way thanks to evolution and natural selection. The proof is right there in our bodies! From anatomy to genes, here are some stories of how you got to be the way you are.” Evolution of…

Biology Genetics and Heredity

Did Life On Earth Start as an RNA World?

January 10, 2019April 4, 2021 Science Connecteddna, evolution, human dna, RNA

To understand how life began, we must look far back in time. Back to a time when RNA, not DNA, might have been the building block of life.

Viral DNA: Photo courtesy of Amanda Mills via the CDC

Biology Health

Virus DNA in Humans: What’s in Your Genes?

February 2, 2015April 6, 2021 Science Connectedbiology, evolution, human dna

We all carry remnants of DNA from viruses that infected our ancestors millions of years ago. In fact, all mammals have virus DNA in their genes, but the human species has far less, according to a new study. Why? The reason could be that humans were exposed to fewer blood-borne viruses as we evolved to use tools, rather than our teeth for hunting and fighting. If you’re surprised to learn that we do have some virus DNA in our genes, don’t panic. It’s normal. Despite natural defense systems, a retrovirus…