Doggie DNA used to look into human psychiatric problems
April 22, 2008 by Elaine
Filed under DNA, Evolution and Ancestry, Genealogy and DNA, General Genetics and Health, Genes, Genetic Diseases and Conditions, Genetic Testing, Mental health and Behavior
KQED Public Broadcasting in San Francisco recently did a radio story about the UC San Francisco Canine Behavioral Genetics Project run in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania. The aims of the project are:
1. To explore the relationship between genes and behavior, both normal and abnormal, in domestic dogs.
2. To assess the amount and nature of genetic diversity in domestic dogs, both within and between breeds.
Melanie Chang of the CBG project
Anyone wishing to send in their dog’s DNA can visit the site:
http://www.k9behavioralgenetics.com/
Dog DNA samples waiting to be processed at the CBG project
However, it is often said dogs and their owners resemble each other. Now, researchers within this project are looking for those connections on a whole new level. They’re searching for the genes that cause common psychiatric problems in humans - by looking at the DNA of dogs. Have a listen to this very interesting broadcast:
http://www.kqed.org/quest/radio/view/836
Elaine Warburton www.geneticsandhealth.com
Being an animal lover and very interested (obviously!) in mental health, I find this fascinating. Thanks for sharing it, Elaine!