Genetics and Health

April 20th, 2007

DNA Testing of Pregnant Teenagers

A Florida bill to require DNA testing of pregnant girls under the age of 14 has been voted down. The bill would have asked doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers (including abortion providers) to collect DNA from the girl and her fetus for the purpose of identifying the father for prosecution. Sex with minors under […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 3 comments

August 23rd, 2006

SERPINH1 Gene and Chromosome 8 in African-Americans

African-American female carriers of the SERPINH1 gene T-allele have a higher risk of premature delivery. The T-allele is associated with a decrease in the level of a protein that stabilizes collagen which is an important component of the amniotic sac.

This gene polymorphism was almost three times more common in premature babies born […]

By Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD -- 2 comments