Preserving a Loved One’s DNA
Earlier this week, I gave DIY instructions for how to preserve your own DNA as well as those of family members (and, I suppose, whoever else you can grab). Orchid Cellmark has a morbid, but novel idea of preserving the DNA of loved ones who’ve died. (Orchid Cellmark Press Release, June 20, 2005)
A record of an individual’s DNA can provide a number of safeguards to families — as a possible protection against future estate or lineage issues, as a way to trace family genealogy and identify ancestry, and so families may be able to track more detailed information about their medical history as technology advances.
Offered through funeral homes as an optional step before burial or cremation, a DNA sample is obtained via a cheek swab. The Heritage ID product line includes a Heritage Card(TM), a long-term storage card containing the preserved DNA sample. This card even has a Lucite holder that they say is suitable for display or storage.
Displaying a loved one’s DNA on the sideboard reminds me of the current trend in Japan - ornaments composed of the ashes of the deceased and crystals or artificial stone. When I get around to collecting my family’s DNA, I’ll have to do something snazzy to dress it up.
Pointer from Genealogy Blog.
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POSTED IN: Genetic Ingenuity
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7 opinions for Preserving a Loved One’s DNA
silly girl
Jul 29, 2005 at 6:04 am
This is extremely interesting… descendants and lineage and cheeck swab!
Lei
Jul 29, 2005 at 9:38 am
Thanks for the comment, silly girl. DNA is powerful stuff and can be so easily obtained!
Genetics and Health » Your Loved One’s DNA in a Tree
Mar 30, 2006 at 2:48 am
[…] First there was the Heritage Card, now there’s Biopresence Human DNA Trees to create memorials for deceased (or not) loved ones. Biopresence is collaborating with scientist and artist Joe Davis on his DNA Manifold algorithm, which allows for the transcoding and entwinement of human and tree DNAs. The Manifold method is based on the naturally occurring silent mutations of base triplets, this means it is possible to store information without affecting the genes of the resulting tree. Biopresence Human DNA Trees do not modify the genes of an organism. Therefore, they are not genetically modified organisms (GMOs). […]
Genetics and Health » Human DNA Jewel Pendant
Mar 30, 2006 at 2:58 am
[…] The memory of a loved one no longer has to be just in your heart and mind. One way is to create a Biopresence Human DNA Tree and another at funeral homes with the Heritage Card. Now the same company that makes the Life Jewel Pendant for preserving your pet’s DNA is offering the same for human DNA. […]
Life in the Garden » Blog Archive » DIY DNA
Mar 6, 2007 at 8:19 pm
[…] Ok, we could talk about some creepy/cool developments like the Heritage Card or human DNA trees. But I’d rather discuss adventures in the garden and simple pleasures like: […]
David Goh
Oct 26, 2008 at 9:36 am
May i enquire on the possibilities to obtain legal rights for distributionship - DNA Jewel in Asia?
Grace Ibay
Oct 30, 2008 at 4:02 am
David, unfortunately I don’t have any information about distributorship.
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